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.
March 19, 1982 - In this Science Town Meeting, Dr. James Rutherford, of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, speaks on science education in the school system. Rutherford’s speech is titled “Science Education in the Schools: Are We Failing?” Dick Clark, science program specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education, also provides a regional perspective on the science education debate. MPR’s Rich Dietman hosts and moderates’ program.
March 20, 1982 - Dr. Roger Staehle, dean of the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota, answers live listener questions on technology and society.
April 1, 1982 - Christian feminism is the topic for today's program. Mary Bader Papa is an author and managing editor of Twin Cities Magazine. She spoke at the Minnesota Press Club recently, and these are her remarks.
April 3, 1982 - On this Weekend program, Jack Young, Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections, discusses prisons and the corrections system in Minnesota. Topics include new Oak Park Heights maximum security prison, funding, sentencing guidelines, and views on rehabilitation. Young also answers listener questions.
April 3, 1982 - MPR’s Dale Connelly presents Playwright’s Laboratory, which showcases playwright Paul D'Andrea’s “Lumbah Yard,” a drama written especially for radio, with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab. Following radio play, Robert Collins, critic for City Pages, and listeners share impressions and ask questions of playwright. Play is the story of an eccentric old woman and a young blind genius who use their shared vision to transform an old lumber yard.
April 7, 1982 - Dr. Paula Kelly, pediatrician at Minneapolis Children's Health Center Outpatient Clinic, answers live listener questions about childhood illnesses.
April 13, 1982 - St. Paul Mayor George Latimer and challenger Mike Fritz debate issues in the campaign on this live broadcast from the Landmark Center in St. Paul.
April 17, 1982 - Survivalist Tim Kneeland answers live listener questions on preparing for and coping with summer outdoors and wilderness experiences.
April 20, 1982 - This live debate on the ballot measure in St. Paul that would authorize the city to award a cable television franchise to a public, non-profit corporation includes Roger Christianson and Larry Winans of the Committee for Risk Free Cable Now arguing for private ownership and Councilman Bill Wilson and College of Saint Catherine Communications professor Jim Townsend speaking for public management of the system.
April 27, 1982 - Joanne Slavin, assistant professor and extension nutritionist at the University of Minnesota, discusses the role of nutrition and exercise. Slavin also answers listener questions.