Steven Schupak Brings Decades of Media Experience to Maryland Public Television Leadership
Steven Schupak's appointment as president and CEO of Maryland Public Television represents a strategic consolidation of leadership following his 22-year tenure and proven track record in award-winning content creation and digital expansion for the $42 million public broadcasting operation.
Steven Schupak assumed the presidency of Maryland Public Television in July 2025, becoming the sixth leader in the organization's 55-year history. His promotion from station manager represents a natural progression given his two-decade tenure with MPT and his extensive background in television production and media management. The $42 million noncommercial educational media operation, headquartered in Owings Mills, serves as a state licensee member of the Public Broadcasting Service.
Schupak joined MPT's executive team in 2003 following two decades in television and media. His oversight of content creation yielded numerous industry awards, including recognition for initiatives such as Chesapeake Bay Week®, which he created in 2005. National productions like the 2014 Star Spangled Spectacular: The Bicentennial of our National Anthem and the 2018 documentary Breaking Heroin's Grip: Road to Recovery also earned significant honors under his leadership.
After becoming chief operating officer in 2014, Schupak was named station manager in 2021, reflecting 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 Maryland State Ad Agency division. Before joining MPT, Schupak served as vice president at Henninger Media Services, where he managed production and distribution for cable networks and international markets.
Schupak's career began at the ABC Television Network, where he worked as a production manager for major events including World News Tonight, Monday Night Baseball, and the 1986 Liberty Weekend Statue of Liberty Celebration. His 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.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter inducted Schupak into its Silver Circle in 2020, recognizing his 25-year contributions to broadcasting. Additional honors include the Maryland International Film Festival's Mendez Award for professional excellence and selection as an "Influential Marylander" by The Daily Record in 2024. Schupak serves on the board of directors of the National Educational Telecommunications Association and as vice chair of the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California.