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.
May 29, 1982 - William F. Buckley discusses the late President Lyndon Johnson with the author of a recent biography of Johnson.
May 29, 1982 - The Ramsey County Judge Joseph Summers takes calls from listeners with Bob Potter on the judicial system in Minnesota.
May 31, 1982 - Roger Angell of the New Yorker magazine speaks with Dale Connelly about his new book on baseball "Late Innings."
June 2, 1982 - Retiring University of Minnesota Political Science Professor Mulford Q. Sibley expresses his political, social and religious views.
June 5, 1982 - This is LIVE coverage includes the acceptance speech of gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Warren Spannaus.
June 5, 1982 - Former Governor and Senator Wendell Anderson takes calls from listeners from the DFL Convention in Duluth. Live broadcast.
June 7, 1982 - Richard Snelling, Republican Governor of Vermont, speaking to the Humphrey institute at the University of Minnesota. Snelling spoke on a framework for a workable government, on the “New Federalism,” and how to make government work. Snelling was first elected Governor of Vermont in 1976, and he won re-election by a wide margin in 1978, and an unprecedented third term in 1980. He had served previously in his state legislature, serving as majority leader in the House. Since becoming a chief executive, he has assumed a larger role in national affairs, working among other things as chairman of the Republican Governors Association. He founded a hardware and ski manufacturing firm in 1959.
June 8, 1982 - Host Robert Cromie talks with and about writers and their works.
June 9, 1982 - Dale Connelly speaks with three graduating seniors from St. Paul's Highland Park Senior High School on their graduation day, their plans, hopes and fears.
June 12, 1982 - David Roe, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), takes calls from listeners, along with host Bob Potter.