Maryland Public Television budget rises but federal cuts leave a funding hole

The Department of Legislative Services presented a fiscal 2027 allowance of $48.4 million for Maryland Public Television (MPT), an increase of roughly $3.2 million (about 7%) from fiscal 2026, but warned that federal funding changes threaten near-term revenue for the public broadcaster.

DLS analyst Catherine Barber told the subcommittee that “The Federal Rescisions Act of 2025 reduced $1,100,000,000 for the corporation for public broadcasting” and that MPT historically relied on CPB grants for about 8% of its budget, roughly $3.5 million. Barber said, because of timing differences between federal and state fiscal years, MPT will receive about 25% of the expected CPB amount for fiscal 2026 and none for fiscal 2027 — a shortfall the department expects the governor to address in fiscal 2028.

Steven Shupak, MPT president and CEO, emphasized the networks role statewide, citing recent programming and education initiatives that undergird the request for continued state support. He described MPTs expansion to multiple platforms and its Maryland Center for Media Literacy and Education, which "gives Marylanders the tools they need to make informed media choices."

Aside from the federal funding loss, DLS highlighted other budget changes: personnel and contracts for on-air and production talent account for the bulk of the net increase (approximately $2.2 million), and membership and contribution figures rose in fiscal 2025 (contributions reported at $9 million; memberships at 71,000). DLS also noted that original program counts fell even as total production hours rose, reflecting a shift to longer-form programming.

Audit finding and withheld funds

Barber cited an October 2024 fiscal compliance audit that found MPT had not established formal policies for revenue-generating activities of its affiliated foundation, lacked documentation for revenue management and underwriting rates, and failed to document monitoring activities for recent audits. As a result, language in the fiscal 2026 budget restricted $100,000 in general funds pending a corrective-action report. MPT submitted revised policies and tracking systems; DLS determined the JCR response met the budget language and recommended releasing the $100,000 "if no objections are raised by the committees." The DLS recommendation was placed in the record for the subcommittee to act on.

What happens next

There was no formal vote during the hearing. DLS said it will process a letter to release the withheld funds if the committee raises no objection. Committee members thanked MPT for its presentation and noted the broader policy question of replacing lost federal support.

Sources and evidence: DLS fiscal 2027 budget analysis and testimony from Catherine Barber (DLS) and Steven Shupak (MPT).