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 29, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Joe Graba, Deputy Commissioner of Education for the State of Minnesota, talks to MPR’s Dan Olson about school budget. Topics include declining enrollments, local taxes, and cut backs.
February 12, 1977 - This regional public affairs program is a discussion on current system of police chief appointment in Minneapolis, where the chief is chosen by the mayor. MPR’s Neal St. Anthony met with numerous people concerned with the situation and prepared this report.
March 5, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, John Boland, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, presents a "State of the Region" address on the occasion of the council's 10th anniversary.
March 5, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Marilyn Chou, a policy analyst from the Hudson Institute in New York, speaks at the Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Chou shares her impressions of agriculture within the People's Republic of China.
March 12, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s George Fisher presents work of some young radio producers and performers, with highlights from KSJN's Young People's Radio Festival entrants.
March 12, 1977 - The Minnesota legislature is considering measures to help streamline criminal justice in Minnesota. William McCutcheon, a Minnesota state senator and police officer, talked about what he thinks the legislature can do during a speech at Saint Paul Citizens League breakfast meeting.
March 26, 1977 - Excerpts from the Intermediate Technology conference held in Minneapolis which brought together 500 Minnesotans involved or interested in low-energy-use alternative technology, designed to reduce our need for fossil fuels. Includes a panel discussion, in response to the lecture by British economist Dr. E.F. Schumacher.
March 26, 1977 - Dr. John Flagler, director of labor education at the University of Minnesota, speaking on the effects of alternative technology on workers. Speech given at the Conference on Intermediate Technology.
March 26, 1977 - James Summer, former vice chairman of General Mills, argues that small is not always beautiful, and he will also propose how industry can better work in the public interest. His speech was entitled, "Corporate America: New Challenges, New Responsibilities", and given at the Conference on Intermediate Technology.
April 30, 1977 - Dr. Herbert Benson, an associate professor at the Harvard School of Medicine, speaking at Lifestyles in a Stressful World conference at University of Minnesota, and sponsored by the University Hospitals Volunteer Association. In his address, Benson discusses some of the causes of hypertension and his suggestions for reducing it.