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 22, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, guests John Moe, general manager of the Employee Assistance Program with Control Data Corporation; and Professor Jack Flagler, director of Labor Education at the University of Minnesota and arbitrator for several state and federal mediation services, discuss the subject of employment and alcoholism treatment.
May 6, 1978 - John Brantner, psychology professor at University of Minnesota, speaking at 8th annual Health Alert Conference held at University of Minnesota, and sponsored by the University Hospitals Volunteers Association. Brantner discusses his confusion over what is proper nutrition.
May 6, 1978 - Theodore Labuza, university professor of Food Science and Technology, speaking at 8th annual Health Alert Conference held at University of Minnesota, and sponsored by the University Hospitals Volunteers Association. Labuzza offers his views on why people are confused about nutrition.
May 13, 1978 - Highlights of consumer activist Ralph Nader speaking at St. John's University. Nader addresses technology, limited perspective, corporate tax loopholes, and power of executives.
May 20, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, excerpts from a recent public hearing on the agency report, held in Minneapolis. It begins with a brief summary of the report by John Milhone, director of Minnesota Energy Agency.
May 27, 1978 - Dr. Robert Coles, noted child psychiatrist and instructor at Harvard, speaking at a conference on parenting held in Bloomington. In speech, Coles reflects on his time with Robert Kennedy.
June 17, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, an examination on the problem of arson and what can be done about it. The Citizens League issued a report on arson in the Twin Cities, and the crime’s impact on the community.
July 15, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a panel discussion of a recent Citizens League report on community participation in decision-making in the twin cities.
August 5, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, guests Sherry Gio, assistant manager of World Division at AAA; and Jack Grimm, of Delaney-Joyce and O'Dell, discuss overseas travel, slowdowns at airports, decline of the dollar overseas, standby fares and other travel issues.
August 12, 1978 - Dr. Sam Keen, a psychologist from Sausalito, California and faculty member of the American Humanistic Psychology Institute, conducts a workshop in Minneapolis on how stories and legends from our past shape present values and expectations.