Midday, the longest running MPR news program, began as an extension of a daily half hour noon newscast called “Midday Report.” In September 1971 it expanded into various longer iterations, running weekdays, as well as encompassing some weekend programming. During this period, it was described as: “A program of news and information, a calendar of the day’s cultural events and the environmental report.” In January 1972 the name changed to Midday, and a month later it was described as: “A program of news, consumer and environmental information, discussion of public issues, and reports by the MPR and NPR news staffs."
Separate MPR public affairs programming were featured, such as Spectrum, Sportfolio, MPR Special, Insight, Weekend, Forum, and MPR’s Mainstreet Radio, among others. Local programming was also featured, including Westminster Town Hall Forum, Carlson Lecture Series, Minnesota Meeting, Minnesota Press Club, and Mondale Policy Forum. National outside programming included Options, Horizons, Communique, National Press Club, Chappaqua Lecture, Ford Hall Forum, Commonwealth Club, among others; and interview shows from the likes of Studs Terkel, William F. Buckley and Nancy Fushan.
As the years progressed, the “Interview” and “Call-in” would become a regular format for Midday. Beginning in the mid-1970’s until 1992, Midday was hosted by Bob Potter, after which, Gary Eichten became the permanent host. Many guest hosts also participated over the years. During the Eichten era, Midday became a daily two-hour program staple, running from 11AM-1PM. Midday ended its run in January 2012, when long-time host Eichten retired.
October 20, 1981 - Sung Won Sohn, chief economist and senior vice president for Northwester National Bank of Minneapolis , takes questions from listeners on the economy and where it's headed.
October 21, 1981 - Ralph Nader, author and consumer activist, speaking at the annual convention of the Minnesota Education Association in Minneapolis. Nader’s address was on the topic of consumerism. He also talks on various topics such as contaminants and competency tests. Nader has been active in consumer affairs for nearly two decades. Auto safety, hazards in the workplace and contaminants in the environment are just a few of the areas that Nader and his associates have investigated. A few years ago, the Nader organization examined the competency tests given to students seeking college admission.
October 31, 1981 - Jack Cann of the Coalition for Affordable Housing and John Horner of the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association debate the merits of a Minneapolis charter amendment that would provide a system of rent control, and they also answer live listener questions on rent control and housing in general.
November 2, 1981 - Five candidates for mayor of Minneapolis at a candidates' forum sponsored by the Hennepin County Bar Association.
November 4, 1981 - Dr. George Young, superintendent of St. Paul schools, answers questions from MPR listeners on how budget cuts will affect schools.
November 5, 1981 - Governor Al Quie state of the state address from governor's office in St. Paul.
November 10, 1981 - A discussion on the grain export boom, with participants Willard Cochrane, Philip Raup and Vernon Ruttan, all professors of agriculture and applied economics at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul; and Bill Larson, a USDA soil scientist based at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. Harlan Cleveland, Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs moderates the discussion. He opens with brief intro which refers to the Spring 1981 article in the magazine, "Foreign Affairs", where author Lawrence Soth discusses his view that our reliance on the export of agricultural products is mining our soil. The panel members discuss that view and other topics.
November 13, 1981 - MPR's Nancy Fushan talks with playwright Edward Abee about theater, his work, and the Chimera's recent production of his play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
November 13, 1981 - Tom Meersman talks to veteran political journalist Elizabeth Drew, who wrote a series of articles for the New Yorker magazine during the 1980 election campaign.
November 14, 1981 - Bob Potter is host with questions from listeners. With Governor Albert Quie during MPR's Membership Week.