Underwriters

An underwriter is an organization that provides a financial subsidy to MPT thereby supporting the broadcasting of a single program or block of programs. In exchange, MPT acknowledges the organization with an underwriting or sponsorship message. These spots are usually 15 seconds long, but may vary in length.

Generally speaking, an underwriter is supportive but does not influence the editorial content in a production. The underwriter does not serve in any advisory capacity and cannot actively participate in the production by reviewing scripts, selecting interview subjects, or appearing on camera. The underwriter does not get to see the production until it appears on MPT's air (or until it's featured in a preview screening event).

Underwriting guidelines are dictated by public broadcasting rules set forth by the FCC, PBS, and from MPT itself.

For more information about underwriting and sponsorships, see Corporate Support.

Co-producer

A co-producer provides content assets, production assets, and/or financial assets to MPT. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is a long-time co-producer of MPT's Outdoors Maryland show, for example, providing both funds for the program and identifying topics and places to be covered. In brief, a co-production is a partnership where two or more producing parties combine their relevant assets (content, production expertise, financial resources) for the achievement of a single goal – that is, a television program or the production of some other project (perhaps a web site or event). Finally, in any co-production, it is a requirement that MPT retain final editorial control over the project.

While the co-production partner(s) might suggest or recommend appropriate content for inclusion, the final determination about what is included – and what is not – rests with MPT. A co-producer is acknowledged at the start or end of a program (usually not both) when it is aired so that the viewing public is fully aware of the collaboration of MPT with another organization.

Producer

A producer comes to MPT with a production idea and either a funding plan, partial funding or complete funding. In some cases, the producer might have funding for the production itself but not the distribution and promotion costs. The program is typically in the form and shape that the producer envisioned, and MPT decides whether or when to put the program on our air, weighing a variety of factors such as timeliness, audience appeal, subject matter, etc. A single individual producer or a full-scale production house may bring a program or series to MPT for consideration.