Sykesville, Maryland, resident enters National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences chapter’s Silver Circle
Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) Harry Vaughn, a key contributor to the statewide public TV network for four decades, has been inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s (NATAS-NCCB) prestigious Silver Circle. Vaughn, managing director, Production Services, is one of eight television industry professionals who entered the NATAS-NCCB Silver Circle and four who entered the Gold Circle as 2021 honorees during a ceremony conducted on September 24 at the University of Maryland’s Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park, Maryland.
The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the broadcast or cable industry in either a performing, creative, technical, or administrative role, while the Gold Circle honors individuals who have made significant industry contributions for 50 years or more. The Gold and Silver Circles are often referred to as the Academy’s “Hall of Fame.” With the induction of the 2021 honorees, the Silver Circle totals 268 professionals and the Gold Circle totals 23.
A Sykesville, Maryland, resident, Vaughn is responsible for the daily operation, planning, budgeting, and management of professionals who operate MPT’s production studios, linear and non-linear editing suites, post-production audio suites, and electronic field units. He also manages the statewide public TV network’s “work for hire” arm, which serves the production needs of clients from the smallest business owners to the largest organizations operating in Maryland. He oversees a team of more than 25 directors, videographers, editors, lighting technicians, audio engineers, freelancers, and other production professionals.
During his tenure at MPT, Vaughn has served as a videographer, director, and editor. He came to MPT in 1982 as a summer intern on the series The Critics’ Place and was hired in 1983 as a production assistant for the daily program A.M. Weather. Vaughn became a full-time videographer in 1989, working on many MPT productions including Outdoors Maryland, To The Contrary, and Mini Dragons. In 1994, he added editing to his list of responsibilities when he became editor for MotorWeek, the Emmy® Award-winning national series produced by MPT.
In 1999, Vaughn became production supervisor, responsible for all aspects of production for MPT, and he was promoted to production manager in 2001. He assumed the role of managing director in 2004.
Among his career credits, Vaughn also lists a stint as the lighting director for the Ken Burns 11-hour
miniseries The Civil War, as director for coverage of the Republican National Convention, and as a production executive for a variety of freelance productions. He has earned numerous awards for lighting and videography during his 40-year career.
To date, nine TV industry contributors with MPT affiliation have been inducted into the NATAS-NCCB’s Gold Circle and Silver Circle. In addition to Vaughn, five other current and former MPT employees have been honored with membership in the Silver Circle over the years: John Davis, Mike English, Rhea Feikin, Sue Kopen Katcef, and Steven Schupak. MPT’s Gold Circle honorees are George Beneman, Rhea Feikin, the late Lou Davis, and the late Zvi Shoubin.
Other notable members of the Silver Circle include broadcast icons Judy Woodruff, Maureen Bunyan, Sam Donaldson, Ted Koppel, Gordon Peterson, Bob Schieffer, and Jim Vance.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through instructional events and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org.
