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.
February 26, 1982 - In this Science Town Meeting, held at Arts and Science Center Auditorium in St. Paul, Dr. Arthur Harkins, Associate Professor of Future Studies at the University of Minnesota, speaks on co-existence of humanity and robots. Harkin’s address is titled "A Robot in Your Life." Following Harkins address, a counter-response is given by Dr. Arthur Norberg, director of the Charles Babbage Institute for the History of Information Processing and associate professor of computer science at the University of Minnesota. Norberg speaks on negative aspects in culture, and the unknown of technological use and response. After speeches, Harkins and Norberg answer questions from the audience.
March 2, 1982 - House Inter-American Affairs Subcommittee, meeting at Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., continues hearing on human rights progress in El Salvador, with witnesses including Congressmen James Oberstar of Minnesota and Tom Harkin of Iowa, both of whom have recently returned from trips to El Salvador.
March 3, 1982 - Rebecca Rand, an advocate of decriminalizing prostitution, answers live listener questions.
March 4, 1982 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews actor David Warrilow, who is currently performing in Shakespeare's “As You Like It” at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Warrilow talks about his career and his roles in plays by Samuel Beckett, as well as the challenge of Shakespeare.
March 4, 1982 - The Minnesota House of Representatives debates and votes on a bill to repeal the moratorium on a direct access route to connect I-35E with I-94 in the West Seventh and Downtown areas of St. Paul, broadcast live.
March 6, 1982 - With spring’s approach, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Bill Nunn about vegetable gardening. Topics include seeds, fighting Dutch Elm disease, container gardening and weather. Nunn also answers listener questions.
March 10, 1982 - The Minnesota Senate debates a bill to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to legalize parimutuel betting on horse racing in Minnesota, broadcast live. Keyword: Canterbury Downs
March 12, 1982 - A documentary about Black classical music and musicians. Program looks at the contributions and musical masterpieces of Black composers to classical music. Includes various musical segments, reports, and interviews.
March 16, 1982 - Archbishop John Roach, Archbishop of the Minneapolis/St. Paul archdiocese and President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops speaking at St. John's University. Archbishop Roach addressed the topic "Episcopal Leadership and Social Justice.”
March 17, 1982 - MPR's Bob Potter presents live hearing and debate coverage from the Minnesota capital.