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MPT Program Acquisitions

MPT recognizes the importance of local and independent filmmakers and their unique ability to capture truths about the world with artistic integrity, intelligence, and balance. MPT supports these artists and gives viewers access to their voices and viewpoints. These producers' programs provide viewers with a better understanding of the world, an open door to the arts, and actionable information to improve their daily lives.

Welcome, producers! Please scroll to the bottom of this page for special information about submitting your work or program ideas to MPT.

February National Premieres

Allergic to Failure: The Robert Covington Story

Monday, February 2nd @ 9:00 PM (premiere); Tuesday, February 3rd @ 1:00 and 4:00 AM; Saturday, February 21st @ 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 22nd @ 12:00 and 3:00 AM

The powerful story of former NBA player Robert Covington, who, rooted in grit, faith, and self-belief, defied the odds by transitioning from HBCU student to a decade-long career in the highest level of professional basketball. Finding his footing at Tennessee State University, he discovered not just his basketball potential but embraced the excellence and rich legacy of HBCUs.

HBCU Week NOW
Promo: Allergic to Failure: The Robert Covington Story

Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals

Wednesday, February 11th @ 10:00 PM (premiere); Thursday, February 12th @ 2:00 AM; Saturday, February 21st @ 9:00 PM; Sunday, February 22nd @ 1:00 AM; Monday, February 23rd @ 9:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

A journey through the global race for critical minerals—the metals powering our green transition – and asking who benefits and who gets left behind. Filmed across five continents, the documentary explores how the drive to decarbonize has sparked fierce geopolitical competition, while also imposing steep costs on vulnerable communities at the frontlines of extraction.  

Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals

More Deconstructing the Beatles

Saturday, February 28th @ 9:00 PM (premiere)

Acclaimed "Beatle-ologist" Scott Freiman guides you, step by step, on an educational journey through several of The Beatles’ milestone albums and the fascinating stories that accompanied them. No matter how much you know about the Beatles, there's something new here for you. Three new segments cover the creation of the A Hard Day's Night film/soundtrack; the writing and recording of the song “Penny Lane"; and the musical evolution and influence of George Harrison.

More Deconstructing the Beatles

February Local Encores

Barry Farm:  Community, Land & Justice in Washington DC

Saturday, February 21st @ 10:00 PM; Sunday, February 22nd @ 2:00 AM

During Reconstruction, free Blacks purchased land once worked on by the enslaved and built Barry Farm, one of DC's first thriving Black communities. It would become home to a sprawling public housing complex, the launching grounds for the Welfare Rights movement, and one of the birthplaces of the city's Go-Go music scene. Now, its once-again empty fields are a gold mine for developers.

February National Encores

The Five Demands

Sunday, February 22nd @ 6:00 PM

In April 1969, a small group of Black and Puerto Rican students shut down the City College of New York, an elite public university located in the heart of Harlem.  The CCNY strikers were the vanguard of a national Black student movement that transformed the culture, mission, and curriculum of American higher education.  For many, it was the first time they ever stepped foot on the neo-Gothic campus on a hill overlooking their neighborhood. Told through the participants' point of view, the film follows the students' struggle against the institutional racism that, for over a century, had shut out people of color from this institution and other public universities.

The Five Demands

The riveting story about the student strike that changed the face of higher education.


The Historic HBCU Photograph

Thursday, February 26th @ 10:30 PM; Friday, February 27th @ 2:30 AM

In 2021, the approval of a vaccine by the CDC marked a turning point in the battle against COVID-19, allowing the gradual resumption of social activities. Against this backdrop, alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country gathered for a momentous event on the steps of Morningside Park in Harlem. Inspired by the iconic 1958 photograph "A Great Day in Harlem," they came together for a historic photograph, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of community. The gathering not only celebrated the resilience of HBCU alumni but also served as a powerful reminder of their historical role in advancing social justice and equality.

The Historic HBCU Photograph

A commemoration of a moment in history when alumni from HBCUs gather for a historic photo.

Watch Now

A Note to Producers

Do you have a completed program/series or a project in production that you would like to see aired on MPT?  Or maybe you have a program concept that you are looking for MPT to produce or co-produce?  MPT welcomes the opportunityto review your program or idea for consideration as a local broadcast, digital presentation or national public television presentation.  Please complete our online submission form here, and our team will review your project to see if it is a fit for our distribution.

Not sure if your project is suitable for MPT?  Please review our acquisitions primer to learn about MPT's mission, programming objectives, submissions process, and local and national acquisition initiatives. You can also find information about MPT and public television editorial, technical and funding guidelines at the links below:

MPT Editorial Guidelines

MPT Technical Specifications for Programs

The Producing for PBS website