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.
January 9, 1982 - Host Rich Dietman talks with Tim Kneeland of the Institute for Survival Education in Minneapolis , and answers live listener questions on surviving in winter.
January 11, 1982 - Dr. Jay Cohn, University of Minnesota cardiologist and member of a congressional advisory panel, talking about FDA procedures and the way it reviews new pharmaceuticals.
January 13, 1982 - MPR coverage of Governor Al Quie's 1982 State of the State address. Following speech, MPR’s Pat Kessler and Bob Potter get comments and reaction from the floor of the House.
January 13, 1982 - Governor Al Quie delivers his annual State of the State address before the Minnesota legislature, broadcast live.
January 15, 1982 - Bob Aronson interviews Ronald J. Glasser, author of "365 Days." The book, about his experiences in the Vietnam War, has been the subject of controversy in Maine, where it has been banned by a school board because of its allegedly inappropriate language.
January 16, 1982 - Listener call-in with Mike Murphy, director of the Minnesota Energy Agency.
January 20, 1982 - Barry Goldwater, Arizona Republican Senator, speaking at the University of Minnesota, as part of the Carlson Lecture Series. Goldwater's address is titled, "The Conscience of a Conservative, 1982." Goldwater speaks on the failure of liberal leadership, the strengths and weaknesses of the Reagan administration, and shares his criticism of the “Moral Majority” movement.
January 23, 1982 - On this Weekend program, Bruce Watson, a consulting meteorologist, discusses the record-setting snowfalls of January 20th and 22nd in the Twin Cities, winter blizzards, and other issues related to winter weather. Watson also answers listener questions.
January 28, 1982 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews German-born conductor Max Rudolf, who claims he can teach almost anybody to lead a fine orchestra in as little as four weeks. His rules are simple: keep to the score and stay out of the way of the musicians. Hardly the expected advice of a world-renown conductor…but Max Rudolf, at age 80, is not a believer in the cliched image of the pompous maestro.
January 28, 1982 - MPR reporter and producer Dale Connelly talks with J.S. Holiday, an expert on the California Gold Rush of 1849 and writer of "The World Rushed In," a collection of writings by a man who took part in the Gold Rush.