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.
June 10, 1981 - Mark Ascerno, entomologist at University of Minnesota, discusses common and uncommon pest problems in the home and garden. Ascerno also answers listener questions.
June 11, 1981 - Minneapolis mayor Don Fraser responds to listener questions and comments on the city budget and other local issues, broadcast live.
June 12, 1981 - MPR reporter Marilyn Heibeler interviews Ann Jones, author of new book "Women Who Kill.”. Topics of program include the criminal justice system, our definitions of murder, women murderers, the white male bias of the legal system, the feminist view of women's right to self-defense, and whether or not there is a rise in crime among women. Heibler also answers listener questions.
June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “Marketing of High Sulfur Coal,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “Transportation Factors,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “High Sulfur Coal Exports,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “High Sulfur Coal from the Perspective of Foreign Government Officials,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “Emergency Utilization of Coal,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
June 26, 1981 - Dr. Gough Reinhardt, physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California; and Dr. Frank Barnaby, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, debate at the Science Town Hall Meeting titled, “Nuclear Weapons Technology: Do We Need It?” The meeting was held at the St. Paul-Ramsey Arts and Science Auditorium and presented guests' differing views of nuclear weapons technology and the value and uses of nuclear science. MPR’s Rich Dietman moderated debate.
July 2, 1981 - Live debate coverage of the 72nd Legislature’s 1981 2nd special session. Debate includes enacting a short-term borrowing law so state can meet its financial obligations during cash shortage and correcting certain errors in 1981 laws.