MPT asks state to buffer CPB cuts as federal support for public broadcasting changes
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Summary
Maryland Public Television warned the committee that the announced dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will reduce a crucial grant stream and described fundraising and programming shifts; DLS recommended release of $100,000 withheld over prior audit findings after MPT reported corrective actions.
Maryland Public Television (MPT) told the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee that it faces an immediate revenue shock after federal funding shifts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s board vote to dissolve. The state-supported broadcaster asked lawmakers to consider budgetary continuity while it expands local fundraising.
Catherine Barber, the Department of Legislative Services budget analyst, said the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission’s fiscal 2027 allowance is $48.4 million, a roughly $3.2 million increase over fiscal 2026, and emphasized an acute federal funding risk: she relayed that recent federal actions reduced funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and that CPB grant support to stations will be eliminated for fiscal 2027. Barber noted MPT historically received about $3.5 million — roughly 8% of its budget — from CPB grants and that timing of state fiscal years means ongoing transitional impacts across FY26–FY28.
Steven Shupik, MPT’s president and CEO, told the committee MPT plans “to continue to aggressively fundraise and supplement the funding provided by the state,” pointing to new canvassing efforts, growth in major giving and corporate underwriting, and a diversified digital distribution strategy. Shupik said MPT’s platforms now deliver more than half of viewing through streaming and highlighted recent enterprise journalism, documentaries and local production that the station argues are unique public goods for Maryland classrooms and residents.
The analyst also revisited fiscal compliance audit findings that had triggered a restriction of $100,000 in general funds in the prior year. Barber said MPBC submitted a written report describing revised policies and tracking systems; DLS determined that report complied with the budget language and recommended releasing the withheld $100,000 if no objections were raised.
Committee members pressed MPT leaders on sustainability and asked about programming, membership growth and platform distribution. MPT officials cited $9 million in contributions reported for fiscal 2025 (an 11% increase) and described a shift to longer program formats that has raised production hours even as the number of original programs ticked down. On the audit issues, MPT's CFO described new internal controls for underwriting rates, foundation revenue activity, and conflict-of-interest disclosures.
Next steps: DLS recommended releasing the $100,000 withheld in fiscal 2026 after reviewing MPBC’s corrective steps. The subcommittee did not take a formal vote during the hearing; MPT leaders left the session asking the committee to monitor the organization’s fundraising progress and the state’s exposure if federal funding does not return.
Ending: The subcommittee concluded the MPT portion of the hearing after analysts and MPT executives answered members’ questions, and moved on to the higher education overview.
