Longtime Maryland Public Television (MPT) host Rhea Feikin will conduct her first interview since announcing her retirement when she appears on MPT’s Direct Connection program at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 4. Feikin will be interviewed by anchor Jeff Salkin and will welcome viewer questions and comments during the entire half-hour program, which will also feature video highlights from Feikin’s television career.

Viewers interested in asking a question or sharing a memory during the program may call 1-800-926-0629, send an email to livequestions@mpt.org, or engage the program on Twitter @mptnews. A live stream of the program will also be available at mpt.org/programs/direct-connection/.

A fixture on television in Maryland since the 1960s and a mainstay on MPT over the past four decades, Feikin will retire at the end of February 2020. She currently hosts two MPT series, Artworks and Chesapeake Collectibles, and is the network’s principal pledge drive spokesperson.

In 2014, Feikin was inducted into the Gold Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter in recognition of 50 years of regional broadcasting excellence.

Hers was the first star unveiled when MPT created its outdoor Walk of Fame in 2010. Feikin’s star serves as permanent recognition of her years of service with distinction to local television and the greater Maryland community.

Plans are underway at the statewide public TV network for salutes and tributes to Feikin in 2020.

About MPT

Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows. Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of five million page views annually. For more information visit mpt.org.