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.
October 1, 1977 - Dr. Phyllis Fleming, assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, speaking at Annual Conference of the Minnesota Health Association. Speech was titled "Nutrition and Lifestyle: How to Change Behavior.”
October 8, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of speech to Citizens League by Tom Berg, state representative of Minneapolis and chairman of the House Local and Urban Affairs Committee, about the ongoing studies on the financial health of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
October 8, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, John Boland, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, addresses the Citizens League on the priorities of the council for 1978. Priorities include appointments, frameworks, and controlling operating budget.
October 15, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Neal St. Anthony presents report on aspects of Little League football. Program contains sound portrait and various interviews with administrators, coaches, psychologists, parents, and trainers. Topic of helmet safety concerns is addressed.
November 5, 1977 - Minneapolis social activist Marv Davidov and Congressman Don Fraser of Minneapolis, speaking to a group of DFL activists from the 1st and 4th Districts. Davidov and Fraser discuss the effectiveness of working for social change within and outside of established political parties. The two compared political philosophies, and how they pursue similar goals through different means.
November 12, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Dorothy Hozza of the Minnesota Energy Agency; and Barb Weinschenker of the Center for Local Self-Reliance in Minneapolis, discuss financial incentives for home energy conservation.
December 3, 1977 - Dr. Robert Coles, a Harvard University psychologist, speaking at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Cole’s address centers on how minority children deal with the stresses and problems they face in contemporary society.
December 10, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman presents a sound portrait of "the farm." Includes various interviews with a Minnesota farm family outside of Cannon Falls.
December 10, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Hy Berman, history professor at University of Minnesota, discusses history of farmer organizations. Topics include political activities, strikes, and cooperatives.
December 17, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, a sound portrait of the business of Christmas, with the shopping for gifts a core part of the holiday season. Program includes various interviews and comments from holiday shoppers, business owners, toy makers, department store Santas, credit services, a reminiscence from local resident.