Steven Schupak Brings Four Decades of Media Expertise to Lead Maryland Public Television

Steven Schupak assumed leadership of Maryland Public Television in July 2025, bringing more than four decades of television and media experience to the $42 million noncommercial educational media operation. His appointment as the sixth president in MPT's 55-year history signals a commitment to maintaining the station's award-winning tradition while expanding its digital footprint.

Schupak joined MPT's executive team in 2003 after two decades in television and media, during which he oversaw content creation that earned numerous industry awards. His creation of Chesapeake Bay Week® in 2005 established an annual programming initiative that has become a cornerstone of MPT's local content strategy. Under his creative leadership, MPT produced nationally recognized programming including 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.

His promotion to chief operating officer in 2014 and subsequent appointment as station manager in 2021 reflected expanded responsibilities in planning, content development, operations, and financial oversight. Schupak played a pivotal role in growing MPT's position as a digital content provider and established the Maryland State Ad Agency division, demonstrating his ability to adapt traditional public broadcasting to modern media landscapes.

Before joining MPT, Schupak served as vice president at Henninger Media Services, where he ran the production and distribution group supplying cable networks and international markets with award-winning programming. His background includes work at pioneering interactive TV firm Eon Corporation and COMSAT Video Enterprises, where he developed content for subscription and pay-per-view services.

Schupak's educational background includes 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. His industry 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.

His leadership extends beyond MPT through board service with the National Educational Telecommunications Association and as vice chair of the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California. Schupak's comprehensive experience across commercial and public broadcasting, combined with his digital innovation expertise, positions Maryland Public Television to navigate evolving media consumption patterns while maintaining its educational mission.