Maryland Public Television urges lawmakers to reverse contingent BRFA reduction as membership and contributions fall

Larry Unger, speaking for Maryland Public Television (MPT) and the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, urged the subcommittee to overturn BRFA language that would impose a $1.0 million contingent reduction in FY25. Analyst Micah Richards said the FY25 allowance increases by $2.5 million (about 6.5%) to $40.5 million but includes a $1.0 million contingent BRFA reduction tied to a statutory change in the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2024.

"I really want to thank this committee for its continuing support over many years," Unger said, adding that MPT "strongly disagree[s] with the language in this year's BRFAA" and submitted written testimony detailing how the provisions would be detrimental.

Richards told the committee the contingent reduction would lower the fiscal 25 appropriation to about $12.3 million in the contingent scenario and that reimbursable funds were projected to rise due to advertising. DLS requested that MPT discuss decreases in membership and contributions (membership decreased 4.9% from FY21 to FY23) and to explain programming plans for original documentaries supported with a recent $1.0 million legislative add for original content.

MPT played a short video and representatives highlighted statewide and national programming, including documentary projects and local educational services. The commission’s representatives said MPT’s programs help reach constituents across Maryland and nationwide and emphasized the value of local production and educational services such as Thinkport and Ready to Learn.

The committee took comments and asked for follow‑up on membership and contribution trends and the likely effect of the BRFA language; no committee vote was recorded on the matter during this session.