The Maine Public Broadcasting Network announces preliminary plans to launch a free over-the-air television channel devoted to covering the Maine State Legislature in Augusta, Maine. The service could potentially launch as early as February 2013 as part of a six month pilot program to test the concept. Coverage would include daily sessions of the House of Representatives and the Maine Senate as well as potentially select committee hearings and press conferences.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network has issued a retraction of its release and citation earlier this week of proprietary ratings estimates for commercial radio stations in the Portland and Bangor markets. The estimates are the copyrighted property of Arbitron, Inc., and the data was provided outside of the terms of the agreement and license to which MPBN subscribes.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network announces its participation in the #GivingTuesday initiative, a movement designed to create a national day of giving on November 27, 2012, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday’s goal is to leverage the power of social media to create a national movement dedicated to giving as an antithesis to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is the launch year for the project.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network announces the commencement of a television pledge drive starting on November 24th and ending on December 9th. The statewide network is providing viewers with unique content during the pledge period as MPBN asks viewers to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to MPBN programming by showing their support.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network announces Radio programming changes effective December 1st, 2012.