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.
December 11, 1981 - Dr. Morton Cohen, professor of English at Columbia University, speaking at St. John's University in Collegeville. Cohen’s address was titled, "The Alice Books, Why They Endure." Speech was part of celebration on the 150th anniversary of Carroll's birth. Dr. Morton Cohen is a scholar of Carroll's many works and letters. Dr. Robert Spaeth, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at St. John's University, introduced Dr. Cohen.
December 12, 1981 - On this Weekend program, Clyde Allen, Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue, and Gene Merriam, DFL state senator, discuss the budget and revenue crises in Minnesota. Allen and Marriam also answer listener questions.
December 16, 1981 - Former U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy speaking in Collegeville on "Christian Humanism Relative to Politics"
December 17, 1981 - Debate from the floor of the Minnesota senate on a bill to cut spending and raise taxes in order to balance the state's budget is broadcast live.
December 18, 1981 - Jan Robinson and Rosemary Martin, co-directors and psychotherapists at Twin Cities Therapy Clinic, answer listeners' questions about coping with the holidays, broadcast live.
December 19, 1981 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Rich Dietman talks with Mike Collins, University of Minnesota computer analyst programmer, about home computers. Topics include understanding difference between software and hardware, education courses, and various features. Collins also answers listener questions.
December 26, 1981 - Meteorologist Bruce Watson answers listerners' questions on weather in winter.
January 2, 1982 - Host William F. Buckley talks with British author Malcolm Muggeridge about religious faith.
January 2, 1982 - Call-in with Isabel Wolf, professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota.
January 8, 1982 - Donna Allen, project manager, Office of Transit Administration of the Minnesota department of transportation Scott Rostron, Title 5 coordinator for the State of Minnesota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Live listener questions answered about transportation for the handicapped.