MPT Celebrates 60 Years, Honors On-Air And Behind-The-Scenes Legends

Maryland Public Television celebrated 60 years of public television with a special “Celebrating the Legendary” event at its Owings Mills studios. Nearly 200 people attended the August 18 gathering, which marked the anniversary of the 1966 legislation that created the state’s public television system. MPT President and CEO Steven J. Schupak hosted the event, with former MPT chief executive Larry D. Unger serving as emcee.

Four MPT personalities were inducted into the network’s Wall of Fame: the late John Aubuchon, Maryland Farm & Harvest host Joanne Clendining, former State Circle reporter Nate Howard, and producer and host Al Spoler. MPT also added six behind-the-scenes veterans to its Alumni Honor Wall: Ken Day, Kathy Hudson, Marty Jacobs, the late Ann Klimas, the late Frank Leung, and Marlene Rodman.

Maryland’s public television system was established in 1966, MPT began broadcasting in 1969.