Spectrum was a regional affairs program that ran from 1976 through 1979 (network stations individually broadcast programming of regional interest on Saturday mornings, of which, Spectrum was broadcast for 91.1 KSJN).
Spectrum presented a wide range of “local” subject matter. Everything from debates, speeches, documentaries, and long-form reports could be heard from week to week. Program included many well-known MPR voices, such Bob Potter, Debbie Gage, Rich Dietman, Neal St. Anthony, Dan Olson, and Dale Connelly, among others.
January 6, 1979 - Peter Vanderpoel, outgoing director of the State Planning Agency, speaking at a Citizens League meeting about efficiency within state agencies. The State Planning Agency was created in 1966 and has various responsibilities in the areas of population, environment, federal-state relations, health, education, and human services.
January 13, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, Dr. Arthur Harkins, of the School of Education at the University of Minnesota, discusses his thoughts on the label of “futurist” attributed to him and why future research is important.
January 27, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Senator David Durenberger, who discusses adjusting to his new role as U.S. senator. Topics include the filibuster, energy, transportation, BWCA, and federal budget. Durenberger also answers questions from various MPR reporters, reporters in other news media, and from listeners in a statewide call-in program.
February 10, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and their director William Jones. They share their experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of a London School’s Promenade concert series sponsored by the London Times and the BBC.
March 3, 1979 - On this special Spectrum/Home for the Weekend broadcast, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Minnesota U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz. Reporters and listeners throughout the state ask Boshcwitz questions. Topics include conservative trends, SALT treaty, D.C. voting amendment, and federal deficit.
March 17, 1979 - John Boland, former chairman and executive director of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, speaking on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. Boland also discusses issues still before the body.
March 17, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, Midday presents an examination of causes, agents, and consequences of Irish immigration to America and Minnesota in history, interview, and song.
March 24, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, a MPR’s Rich Dietman presents report looking at released study of the Carnegie Commission on the future of public broadcasting, titled “Carnegie II.”
March 31, 1979 - Dr. Max Fine, director of the National Institute Committee for National Health Insurance, speaking at a health care costs symposium in Ames, Iowa. Fine’s topic is "The Health Problems of the Elderly."
April 7, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Roland Jensen, director of corporate and strategy and planning for Northern States Power, and Ken Peterson, an attorney for Minnesota Public Interest Research Group, who discuss advantages and disadvantages of producing electricity using nuclear power.