Maryland Public Television

What Maryland Public Television does

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) member station network for the U.S. state of Maryland, operating as a state agency headquartered at 11767 Owings Mills Boulevard. Founded with its first broadcast on October 5, 1969, MPT operates six owned-and-operated television stations (WMPT Annapolis, WFPT Frederick, WWPB Hagerstown, WGPT Oakland, WMPB Owings Mills, and WCPB Salisbury) that collectively reach 1.2 million monthly viewers 18+ across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, and parts of West Virginia. The organization produces nearly 800 distinct productions and series over five decades, anchored by long-running franchises including MotorWeek (45 seasons), Chesapeake Collectibles (13 seasons), Maryland Farm & Harvest, Outdoors Maryland, and recurring initiatives such as the annual Chesapeake Bay Week and the America @ 250 programming slate. MPT also operates the MPT2/CreateTV secondary channel and distributes content via the PBS App across major streaming platforms, plus its own member-gated MPT Passport streaming service accessible at video.mpt.tv.

MPT's product and technology portfolio centers on broadcast and streaming distribution infrastructure, with proprietary platforms including the Thinkport K-12 educational mega-website (integrated with PBS LearningMedia), MPT Passport for extended member streaming, MPT Live Stream across six channels, and MPT Digital Studios producing short-form digital series. Thinkport provides digital media, interactive learning experiences, and educator professional development courses, positioning MPT in the EdTech adjacency. Distribution occurs through over-the-air broadcast, cable/satellite carriage, the PBS App (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung, VIZIO, phones, tablets, Chromecast), live streaming on the web, and door-to-door membership ambassador outreach.

MPT's revenue model is a diversified nonprofit public broadcasting structure. Approximately 33% of operating budget comes from State of Maryland appropriations as a state agency, ~28% from individual viewer donations and memberships, and the remainder from corporate underwriting/sponsorship, foundation grants, vehicle donations, planned giving (IRA QCDs, donor-advised funds), matching gift programs, MPT-branded license plates, and auction/event revenue. Membership tiers span from $5/month sustaining gifts to $25,000-$100,000+ Visionary Leadership Society donations, with structured Impact Funds ($5,000+) directed to specific initiatives. Federal funding through CPB has been eliminated by Congress, making viewer support and corporate sponsorship the primary levers for sustaining operations. The MPT Foundation (501(c)(3), EIN 52-1224503), incorporated in 1981, serves as the fundraising affiliate safeguarding endowment funds, and a wholly-owned Maryland State Ad Agency (MSAA) subsidiary operates as a state advertising agency.

Name

Maryland Public Television

Legal name

MPT Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://mpt.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Maryland Public Television (MPT) is the PBS member station network for Maryland, operating six broadcast stations reaching 1.2 million monthly viewers across the Mid-Atlantic and producing long-running programs including MotorWeek and Chesapeake Collectibles, funded by state appropriations, viewer donations, and corporate underwriting.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Television Broadcasting

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Regional Public Broadcasting Networks & Consortia (MPABADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

National Public Television Networks & Member Stations (PBS-style) (MPABADAA), Public Media Digital Platforms & Streaming (Apps, On-demand, Podcasts) (MPABADAG), Educational/Instructional Public Media Services (Schools, Distance Learning) (MPABADAH), Political & Public Affairs Channels (MPABAIAC)

Keywords

• Public television broadcasting
• PBS member station
• Educational television programming
• Community broadcasting services
• Television production services

Headquarters

HQ city

Owings Mills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Viewership/Donations: Individual viewer donations and memberships constitute approximately 28% of operating budget. Various membership tiers from $5/month sustaining to $1,200+ Leadership Society annual contributions. Includes sustainer programs, family memberships, and tribute gifts.
2. State Funding: State of Maryland provides approximately 33% of annual operating budget as a state agency
3. Corporate Sponsorship/Underwriting: Corporate sponsors can link their brand to specific programs or time slots. Sponsorships include television exposure, print ads in 60,000-circulation Program Guide, and event title sponsorships. Reaches audiences in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, and parts of West Virginia.
4. Matching Gifts: Corporate matching gift programs where employers match employee charitable contributions to amplify donor impact
5. Vehicle Donations: Vehicle donation program accepting cars, trucks, motorcycles with free towing. Vehicles are auctioned with proceeds supporting programming.
6. Planned Giving: IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, donor-advised fund gifts, legacy gifts, and charitable gift planning webinars
7. License Plates: Official MPT license plates for supporters - $35 for members, $50 for non-members

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Maryland Public Television (MPT) operates as a statewide public television network consisting of six broadcast stations serving Maryland, the District of Columbia, and parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It produces and distributes original television programming (e.g., Chesapeake Collectibles, MotorWeek, Maryland Farm & Harvest), public affairs shows (Direct Connection, State Circle), and cultural programming initiatives (Chesapeake Bay Week, HBCU Week NOW, America @ 250). It also operates the MPT Passport member streaming platform and the Thinkport K-12 educational platform, distributing content through over-the-air broadcast, the PBS App, live streaming, and digital channels.

Product overview

Maryland Public Television (MPT) operates as a public television network comprising six television stations broadcasting throughout Maryland and into parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. MPT is the only statewide broadcaster in Maryland and a member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The organization offers a diverse portfolio of programming including locally-produced series (Chesapeake Collectibles, MotorWeek, Maryland Farm & Harvest, Outdoors Maryland, Artworks), public affairs programming (Direct Connection, State Circle), and community initiatives (Chesapeake Bay Week, HBCU Week NOW, America @ 250). Digital services include MPT Passport streaming platform, Thinkport education platform for K-12 educators, and MPT Digital Studios producing short-form content. The MPT Foundation serves as the nonprofit fundraising arm. Programming is distributed through multiple channels including MPT, MPT2/CreateTV, PBS App, PBS Kids Channel, and live streaming services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MPT Passport Streaming membership benefit that provides extended on-demand access to PBS and MPT shows online and on the PBS App for sustaining members.
• MPT Membership Program Tiered membership/donation program with annual and monthly sustaining giving options, providing member benefits including MPT Program Guide, MPT Insider e-newsletter, event invitations, discounts, and Passport access at higher tiers.
• Thinkport Online K-12 educational mega-website for parents and educators providing rich digital media, interactive learning experiences, and professional development courses.
• Corporate Sponsorship / Underwriting Sponsorship and underwriting program that links corporate brands to specific programs or time slots, including television exposure, print ads in the 60,000-circulation Program Guide, and event title sponsorships.
• Chesapeake Collectibles Long-running original series (currently in Season 13) that showcases antique and collectible items with expert appraisers evaluating treasures and sharing their stories; airs on MPT preceding PBS's Antiques Roadshow.
• MotorWeek Automotive editorial television show celebrating its 45th season that tests new vehicles and features segments on automotive technology, safety, and classic cars across North America.
• Maryland Farm & Harvest Series that puts a human face on farming while telling the stories of Maryland's agriculture industry.
• Outdoors Maryland Series depicting the region's ecosystems, people, and places with a focus on Maryland's natural environment.
• Artworks Program putting a focus on local and regional artists working in a remarkable range of genres, showcasing visual arts in Maryland.
• Direct Connection MPT's public affairs program featuring news, community events, and local Maryland coverage, with live streaming available.
• State Circle Public affairs program providing coverage and discussion of state government and political issues in Maryland.
• Chesapeake Bay Week MPT's annual programming initiative celebrating the Chesapeake Bay's history, ecosystem, and conservation efforts with documentaries and programs; 22nd annual edition in 2026.
• MPT2 / CreateTV MPT's secondary channel featuring CreateTV lifestyle programming including cooking, home improvement, travel, and arts content.
• Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education MPT initiative focused on developing critical thinking and tackling misinformation, providing media literacy resources for early learners through college students.
• MPT License Plates Official MPT-branded license plates sold to supporters ($35 for MPT members, $50 for non-members).
• Vehicle Donation Program Vehicle donation program accepting cars, trucks, and motorcycles with free towing; vehicles are auctioned with proceeds supporting programming and donors receive complimentary one-year membership.
• Destination Maryland Program exploring various aspects of Maryland's history, culture, and communities.
• Made in Maryland Series showcasing Maryland-made products and the businesses and artisans who create them.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.2 million monthly viewers in Maryland region
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major, minor and core.

• MPT FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026501(c)(3) fundraising affiliate of Maryland Public Television, incorporated in 1981, governed by nearly two dozen community leaders. EIN: 52-1224503.
• Chesapeake Bay TrustmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2026Private nonprofit grantmaking organization, 2026 Chesapeake Bay Week sponsor.
• Chesapeake Bay FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2026Largest conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 2026 Chesapeake Bay Week sponsor.
• PNC BankmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2026Corporate sponsor for Chesapeake Bay Week 2026.
• Salisbury UniversityminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2026Educational institution sponsor for Chesapeake Bay Week 2026.
• Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 April 2026Research institution sponsor for Chesapeake Bay Week 2026.
• The Nature ConservancymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 April 2026Major conservation organization funding Chesapeake Bay Week 2026 programming initiative focused on the Chesapeake Bay's history, ecosystem, and conservation.
• WatermarkmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 April 2026Organization providing funding for Chesapeake Bay Week 2026 programming.
• 214 FilmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Production company partnering with MPT and PBS Reno to develop documentary 'The Longest Fight' chronicling boxing champion Joe Gans, expected to premiere Fall 2027.
• Gold Creek FilmscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Production company partnering on Joe Gans documentary project with MPT and PBS Reno.
• PBS RenocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Regional PBS station collaborating with MPT on Joe Gans documentary 'The Longest Fight'.
• Our Story, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Nonprofit collaborating on Joe Gans documentary project, working to preserve the 6-acre Goldfield, Nevada site of Gans' historic 1906 championship match.
• Nevada Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Land trust preserving the 6-acre site in Goldfield, Nevada where Joe Gans fought the historic 1906 forty-two-round championship match.
• Bowie State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partnered with MPT to present 'Financial Planning: Build Your Future, Secure Your Wealth' webinar - first in planned giving webinar series.
• Maryland Corps/Service Year OptioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024MPT is an official Host Site Partner for Maryland Corps, providing paid internship opportunities at $15/hour with $6,000 tuition/stipend upon completion.
• Schaefer Center for Public Policy (University of Baltimore)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership with NextGen Leaders for Public Service program providing paid internships for University of Baltimore students in public service careers.
• Annie E. Casey Foundation / Featherstone Corporate Internship ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Foundation-funded program creating economic opportunities for underrepresented Baltimore City communities, providing paid media internships at MPT.
• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1969MPT is a member station of the PBS network, receiving national programming and contributing local productions. As one of 161 PBS member stations, MPT provides access to PBS content while producing regional programming.
• National GeographicmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producer of nature and exploration programming available on MPT.
• Ken BurnsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned documentary filmmaker whose works including The American Revolution are featured on MPT, including classroom resources.
• NHK World-JapancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational broadcast partner available on MPT's channel lineup with dedicated live stream.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• WETA: WETA is the flagship PBS member station for the Washington, DC region, directly overlapping MPT's broadcast footprint into Northern Virginia and DC. Operates similar local production, educational programming, and PBS distribution infrastructure with comparable funding mix of viewer donations and corporate underwriting.
• WHYY: WHYY is the primary PBS/NPR member station for the Philadelphia region, overlapping MPT's Pennsylvania reach. Operates a comparable mix of regional production, news/public affairs programming, membership-driven funding, and digital streaming via the PBS App.
• WGBH/WGBX: WGBH is Boston's flagship PBS station and a major national content producer (Frontline, NOVA, American Experience). Comparable as a PBS member station with a strong original production franchise, regional Emmy recognition, and educational programming through GBH Kids.
• WNET (THIRTEEN): WNET is New York's flagship PBS station, producing national programs including Nature and Great Performances. Closely comparable as a large-market PBS member station with significant original production output, corporate underwriting, and member-supported funding model.
• PBS Reno (KNPB): PBS Reno is a regional PBS member station actively co-producing The Longest Fight documentary with MPT. Comparable as a similarly-sized PBS station reliant on viewer donations and state-level support for regional programming and educational content.

Broad incumbents

• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): PBS is the national network of which MPT is a member station; provides national programming, brand trust ranking #1 for 22 consecutive years, and shared digital infrastructure (PBS App, PBS LearningMedia) that MPT leverages. Functions as both parent network and infrastructure provider rather than a direct competitor.
• NPR (National Public Radio): NPR is the national nonprofit radio network paralleling PBS for television. While primarily audio-focused, NPR competes for the same nonprofit media donor dollar and public trust positioning; MPT and NPR stations often share member bases and pledge drive audiences.

Others

• Maryland Public Television Foundation: The MPT Foundation is MPT's own 501(c)(3) fundraising affiliate (EIN 52-1224503). Included as the principal institutional fundraising mechanism — comparable entities at other PBS stations (e.g., WETA Foundation, WGBH Foundation) provide the endowment and major-gift infrastructure supporting station operations.
• PBS LearningMedia: PBS LearningMedia is the national digital education platform integrated with MPT's Thinkport K-12 offering. Functions as the upstream content and distribution platform for MPT's educational services rather than a competing broadcaster.
• CreateTV / American Public Television: CreateTV is the lifestyle/cooking/how-to channel distributed on MPT2 and many PBS member stations via American Public Television. Functions as a complementary secondary channel partner rather than a peer broadcaster, enabling MPT to extend its channel lineup with minimal content acquisition cost.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/MarylandPublicTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/marylandpublictelevision
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maryland-public-television
• Instagraminstagram.com/marylandpublictv
• Xx.com/marylandpubtv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maryland Public Television