LEWISTON – Maine Public Broadcasting is in the final stages of raising money for digital broadcasting as it announces the public phase of its capital campaign, “More Connected. More Maine. The Campaign for Maine Public Broadcasting’s Programming.”

The statewide television, radio and education service is close to the end of the largest campaign in its history. Only $1 million remains to be raised for a successful conclusion of its $20.8 million campaign.

“Thanks to the state Legislature, the people of Maine, MPBC’s board of trustees, staff and many generous friends, the technical conversion is now complete. The mandate has been met with speed and thrift. The television stations of Maine PBS began broadcasting digitally in 2002 – a full year ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Mary Anne Alhadeff, president and CEO of Maine Public Broadcasting.

After receiving an unfunded federal mandate to convert its television signals to digital, Maine Public Broadcasting embarked on the campaign in 1998 to bring digital technology to Maine.

Now that all the digital towers and infrastructure are built, Maine Public Broadcasting is seeking funds for more programs. “More Connected. More Maine. The Campaign for Maine Public Broadcasting’s Programming” will pay for locally produced television programs like the science series “Quest” and the Maine history series “Home” and statewide education seminars such as the National Teacher Training Institute. It will also add to an endowment that supports future programs and services.

When the voters of Maine approved the state bond issue in 1999 to fund a portion of the digital transition, MPBC made a commitment to match those dollars. The company has been working in earnest since that time to raise the necessary funds and is now in the final stretch of the campaign. For more information, visit www.mpbc.org.