Maryland Public Television Welcomes New President and CEO
Maryland Public Television (MPT) has recently announced that Steven J. Schupak will be taking the helm as the television network’s sixth president and chief executive officer. This decision comes as Schupak, MPT’s current executive vice president and station manager, is set to succeed retiring CEO Larry D. Unger on July 1, 2025. The appointment of Schupak was made by MPT’s governing body, the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, following an extensive nationwide search led by Commission Vice Chair Richard J. Bodorff.
In his new role, Schupak will be responsible for steering MPT forward, building on the network’s rich history of engaging audiences through a diverse range of programming spanning educational, documentary, natural history, arts, public affairs, and community-based content. Reflecting on his new position, Schupak expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s an honor to take the helm of Maryland Public Television, a remarkable organization with a rich history of engaging audiences through educational, documentary, natural history, arts, public affairs, and community-based programming. Even though the media landscape is constantly evolving, the talented team here will keep our service-driven mission at the heart of everything we do, consistent with our promise to enrich lives and strengthen communities.”
With a deep-rooted connection to the local community, Schupak resides in Potomac, Maryland, where he has been an integral part of MPT since 2003. His journey with the network began after a successful two-decade career in television and media, culminating in his appointment as chief operating officer in 2014 and station manager in 2021. During his tenure, Schupak has overseen various aspects of MPT’s operations, including content creation, educational services, and development, finance, and accounting.
Notably, Schupak was instrumental in the establishment of the Maryland State Ad Agency division within MPT, which provides advertising and media buying services for Maryland state agencies and other governmental clients. Moreover, he played a key role in the launch of the Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education, a vital initiative aimed at promoting media literacy among school-aged children. Under his leadership, MPT has risen to prominence as one of the nation’s top producing stations, ranking as the sixth largest in total revenue among the 150 PBS member stations and leading the pack in revenue generation among the 18 state-licensed public TV stations in the United States.
Beyond his contributions to MPT, Schupak’s influence in the television and media landscape extends to his involvement in various industry organizations. He currently serves on the board of directors of the National Education Telecommunications Association and holds positions as vice-chair and director on the board of the Olney Theater. His outstanding achievements have been recognized by esteemed institutions such as the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter, the Maryland International Film Festival, and the Maryland Daily Record.
In addition to its upcoming leadership transition, Maryland Public Television boasts a diverse range of offerings that have captured the hearts of viewers across the state. From its own rendition of an Antiques Roadshow-style program called Chesapeake Collectibles to innovative digital offerings like the MPT Passport app, the network continues to engage audiences with quality programming. Noteworthy shows like Outdoors Maryland, celebrating 35 seasons, and Maryland Farm and Harvest, marking its 150th episode, have become staples in the lineup, showcasing the unique charm and character of Maryland’s landscapes and communities.
As Maryland Public Television ushers in a new era under the leadership of Steven J. Schupak, viewers can expect a continued commitment to excellence and community engagement that has defined the network’s legacy for over five decades.
