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.
December 31, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, lawyer/pharmacist Marc Kurzman and Doug Morgan, of C.R.E.A.T.E. drug awareness program, discuss responsible use of alcohol, its effects on the body, and laws involved. Kurzman and Morgan also answer listener questions.
January 7, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, Ellen Pence, state coordinator of the Minnesota Program for Battered Women; and Barbara Adams, chairperson of a United Way study of battered women in the Minneapolis area, discuss the problems of battered women.
January 21, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, Don Poss, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission; and Barbara Lukermann, consultant to the Minnesota State Planning department, discuss building and maintaining a new Twin Cities sports facility and potential impact stadium would have on the Bloomington and Minneapolis sites.
January 28, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a broadcast of Minneapolis Mayor Albert Hofstede’s State of the City address, followed by interview with mayor in the studio. Hofstede also answers listener questions.
February 4, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, Dr. Linda Budd, professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Family Social Science, discusses child-free marriages and lifestyles. Topics include sterilization, adoptions, counseling, and "empty nest" families.
February 11, 1978 - This regional public affairs program, titled "Who is Conserving Neighborhoods: Residents or Investors?", presents a session held at Macalester College that examined conservation/rehabilitation in several St. Paul neighborhoods.
March 11, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, St. Paul attorney Medora Perlman; and Calvin Clark of the Citizens League, look at a recent report by the Citizens League for better use of parking facilities to encourage greater patronage of downtown areas, less suburban sprawl, and a warning against public operation of parking ramps.
March 18, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, guests Ray Arveson, superintendent of Schools for Minneapolis; and W. Harry Davis, Minneapolis school board member, examine the school district's desegregation plan. Topics include compliance of Judge Larson order, magnet programs, and interests of minority groups.
March 25, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, reports by Tom Meersman and Dale Connelly on Dutch elm disease, followed by discussion with Dave DeVoto, Minneapolis city forester; and Judy Barr, coordinator for the Saint Paul Shade Tree program. Topics include controversial 1977 elm wood stockpile, plans for 1978 tree removal, and preventive measures of beetle infestation.
April 1, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a profile of the new Minnesota Zoological Garden in Apple Valley - what's there, how to get there, who's paying for it, and what's going to happen to Como Park Zoo? MPR’s Neal St. Anthony and Rich Dietman break down the various sections and zoo life on grounds.