1970
The first broadcasts of Sesame Street aired.

1971
The North Dakota Legislature defeated legislation to set up a statewide public television system.

Dennis Falk was named general manager.

National Public Radio was established.

1972
The proposed budget for 1972 was $150,000.

The North Dakota Legislature again defeated public television legislation. The bill passed the Senate but lost in the House.

1974
The corporate name was changed from North Central Educational Television Association to Prairie Public Television.

KGFE-TV in Grand Forks signed on, and Prairie Public Television was available in Winnipeg via cable.

The final on-air auction was held.

1975
With help of a federal grant, color studios were established at NDSU.

Minnesota approved public television funding. The legislation was initiated by a Prairie Public board member.

The North Dakota Legislature defeated public television funding by one vote. Legislation passed in the House but lost in the Senate on a tie vote.

Regular pledge weeks were initiated by Prairie Public.

1976
A weekly hour-long program called SPINwith Cal Olson and Peek at the Week, a weekly community arts calendar, premiered.

1977
The North Dakota Legislature approved funding for statewide public television network.

1978
Prairie Public installed a satellite receiver to interconnect with PBS network.

Prairie Public purchased a building in Bismarck.

A federal grant was received to relocate and upgrade KFME.

1979
KBME-TV in Bismarck signed on.

Prairie Public /NOAA signed a contract for maintenance of statewide weather service stations.