Collection
Spectrum
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.
127 Collection Items
- Spectrum: St. Paul history / Minnesota arts and cultural centers
On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman examines the history of St. Paul on the 125th birthday of the city. Dietman interviews Virginia Kunz, executive director of the Ramsey County Historical Society; and St. Paul architect Richard Faricy. Topics include “Pigs Eye” and architecture in the city.
- Spectrum: Minneapolis history
On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman examines the history of Minneapolis. Dietman interviews Tom Trow, archeologist for the Minnesota Historical Society; Larry Ingalls, genealogist at Church of Latter-Day Saints; Father Alan Moss, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes; and Marcella Trujillo, Chicano studies professor at University of Minnesota.
- Spectrum: Discussion with Greg Barron and Eric Janus about "The Way to 8-A"
On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Greg Barron, producer of “The Way to 8-A" documentary; and Eric Janus of the Supreme Court Committee on Mental Health, about mental commitment procedures.
- Spectrum: Minneapolis mayoral primary primer
On this regional public affairs program, a preview of the Minneapolis mayoral primary election to succeed retiring Mayor Al Hofstede. Candidates in the DFL primary include Don Fraser, former U.S. Congressman (the DFL endorsed candidate); James Rice, Minnesota state representative; Tim Campbell, gay activist, and others. Candidates in the Independent Republican primary include Mike Barros (Independent-Republican endorsed), and others. Charles Stenvig, former mayor, is the Independent candidate for general election.
- Spectrum: James Cummings, diary collector
On this regional public affairs program, Rich Dietman talks with bookseller James (Jim) Cummings, who has a collection of over 7,600 diaries in his home in Stillwater, Minnesota. Cummings has kept a personal diary since he was 13.
- Spectrum: Steve Isaacs discusses the Minneapolis Star
On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Greg Barron interviews Steve Isaacs, editor of the Minneapolis Star. Topics of discussion include criticism of paper's apparent move away from what has been traditionally called hard news, Isaacs' plans for the paper, and future of the evening daily.
- Spectrum: Highlights of President Jimmy Carter's Citizens Energy briefing at Landmark Center
Highlights of President Jimmy Carter's Citizens Energy briefing held at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul prior to his departure on a week-long trip down the Mississippi River to St. Louis on the sternwheeler riverboat the Delta Queen.
- Spectrum: Courts and the press
On this regional public affairs program, C. Donald Peterson, Minnesota State Supreme Court justice; John Finnegan, executive editor at St. Paul Pioneer Press-Dispatch; and Marshall Tannick, Minneapolis attorney and former journalist, discuss a number of 1979 court decisions affecting first amendment press rights including freedom of the press, the right to privacy, and the people's right to know.
- Spectrum: James Kern - The Value of Children
Dr. James Kern, psychologist and former professor of guidance and counseling at Winona State University, speaking at a conference of the Mental Health Association of Minnesota at Carleton College in Northfield. The theme of conference was "The Value of Children.” Kern shares stories and insights of the child.
- Spectrum: Inside Minnesota Public Radio
On this special Spectrum/Home for the Weekend broadcast, MPR’s Rich Dietman presents a group discussion and live call-in program on Minnesota Public Radio's programming decisions, its technical operations, and funding of the network.