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.
April 14, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Bill Angell, extension housing specialist for the University of Minnesota; Win Peterson, past president of the Minneapolis Board of Realty; Mike Harris of the St. Paul Board of Realty; and Judith Owen, assistant vice-president at the First National Bank of St. Paul, who discuss the housing market in the Twin Cities.
April 21, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, Dr. Richard Kagan, a Hamline University professor of History and East Asian Affairs, discusses the implications of America's recognition of China for Taiwan. He was visiting Taiwan when the when it was announced that diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei would be cut.
April 21, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of "How the Chinese See Themselves", a BBC report about the Four Modernizations and current Chinese attitudes and intentions about politics, education, culture, economic development, international relations and military affairs.
April 28, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Dale Simonson of the Mental Health Association of Minnesota; Judge Susanne Sedgwick of Hennepin County District Court, Family Division; and Reverend Jay Croft, director of the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped, who discuss mental health resources in the community. Highlighted topics include a definition of mental health, child abuse, and coping with special frustrations of being handicapped.
May 5, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, two points of view on Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT II). Author Sidney Lens and Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, speaking at Carleton College in Northfield, share their perspective of the SALT II Treaty and our strategic future.
May 12, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan and Tom Meersman examine current economic and legal issues affecting visual artists. The landmark court action involving late abstract painter Mark Rothko's estate is highlighted, via the comments of an attorney on the case.
May 19, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Dale Connelly interviews Dave Durenberger, Independent-Republican U.S. senator of Minnesota. Topics include energy, foreign policy, agriculture, and other issues.
May 26, 1979 - Dr. William Nolen of Litchfield, speaking at 9th Annual Health Alert Symposium held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Nolen addresses securing good health care and patients advocating competent and compassionate care.
May 26, 1979 - Jane Brody, New York Times health correspondent, speaking at 9th Annual Health Alert Symposium held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Brody examines health care from the consumer point of view.
June 2, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Patricia Harpole, chief reference librarian of the Minnesota Historical Society, who discusses practical tips in searching for one's roots using genealogical resources.