Tell Maryland Public Television To Open Up The Debates
Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a taxpayer funded agency of the State of Maryland and a non-profit corporation that hosts debates for candidates seeking statewide positions. Their editorial standards are designed to ensure that only Democrats and Republicans are on the stage. They achieve this by setting an arbitrary polling target of 10% to participate even though no third party or independent gubernatorial candidate has gotten 10% since the Civil War.
The editorial guidelines of Maryland Public Television State: “The public interest is of the highest importance; it defines and directs all editorial decision-making.” The public interest should demand that voters of Maryland are able to hear from all of the choices on their general election ballot. Every candidate has a voice. Marylanders deserve to hear them.
Tell MPT to open up the debates and allow all candidates on the general election ballot on to the debate stage.
Sponsored by
To:
Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned, ask that Maryland Public Television open televised debates to all Gubernatorial candidates who will be on the general election ballot for Maryland voters. Presently, the arbitrary criteria for debate participation is undemocratic and runs contrary to your mission statement that Maryland Public Television “enriches lives and strengthens all communities through the power of media.” Barring independent voices from debating impedes your viewers from hearing a diverse set of ideas and is undemocratic.
Furthermore, it is an egregious violation of public interest that Maryland Public Television uses tax dollars collected from voters – voters who are prevented from hearing from independent candidates by an arbitrary editorial policy.
In conclusion, we, the undersigned, ask that you change the Maryland Public Television editorial policy to immediately open the debates for all Gubernatorial candidates who will appear on voters’ ballots in November of 2026.
Signed,
A Concerned Voter & Tax Payer
Authority: Campaign Donations for Andy Ellis, Brian Bittner Treasurer