Steven Schupak Appointed as President and CEO of Maryland Public Television

Steven Schupak assumed the role of president and chief executive officer at Maryland Public Television in July 2025, becoming only the sixth leader in the organization's 55-year history. MPT operates as a $42 million noncommercial educational media organization based in Owings Mills and serves as a state licensee member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). This leadership transition marks a significant moment for public broadcasting in Maryland, ensuring continuity and experienced guidance for one of the state's key educational media institutions.

Schupak brings over two decades of television and media expertise to his new position, having joined MPT's executive team in 2003. During his tenure overseeing content creation, the network earned numerous industry awards, including recognition for Chesapeake Bay Week®, an annual programming initiative he established in 2005. His portfolio includes national productions such as the 2014 Star Spangled Spectacular: The Bicentennial of our National Anthem and the 2018 documentary Breaking Heroin's Grip: Road to Recovery, which received major honors. These accomplishments demonstrate his ability to produce content that resonates with both local and national audiences while addressing important social and historical themes.

Before his current appointment, Schupak served as MPT's chief operating officer starting in 2014 and was named station manager in 2021. This promotion reflected his expanded responsibilities in planning, content development, operations, and financial oversight. His leadership was instrumental in growing MPT's position as a digital content provider and establishing the network's Maryland State Ad Agency division. The evolution of his roles within the organization showcases a strategic progression that prepared him for the top leadership position, ensuring institutional knowledge and continuity in MPT's mission.

Schupak's professional background includes significant experience beyond MPT. He previously served as vice president at Henninger Media Services, where he managed the production and distribution group, supplying cable networks and international markets with award-winning programming. His career also includes roles at pioneering interactive TV firm Eon Corporation (formerly TV Answer) and COMSAT Video Enterprises, where he developed and produced content for subscription and pay-per-view services. Earlier in his career, he worked as events director at the National Cable Television Association and launched his television career at the ABC Television Network as a production manager for major events including World News Tonight, Monday Night Baseball, and the Statue of Liberty Celebration.

His educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in film and television from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and a master's degree in marketing from the University of Maryland Global Campus, where he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2019. Professional recognition includes induction into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Silver Circle in 2020, the Maryland International Film Festival's Mendez Award in 2023, and selection as an Influential Marylander by The Daily Record in 2024. These honors reflect his substantial contributions to the broadcast industry and his standing as a respected leader in Maryland's media landscape.

Schupak's appointment comes at a critical time for public broadcasting, as organizations navigate the transition to digital content delivery while maintaining their educational mission. His experience in both traditional broadcast and digital media positions him well to lead MPT through evolving media consumption patterns. The leadership stability provided by his internal promotion ensures consistency in MPT's programming strategy and community engagement efforts, which have earned the network numerous awards and recognition under his previous oversight roles.