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 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.
January 29, 1982 - In this Science Town Meeting, held at Arts and Science Center Auditorium in St. Paul, Dr. Elisabeth Mann Borgese, professor in the Training Program for the Management and Conservation of Marine Resources in the department of Political Science at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, speaks on the future use of the resources of the sea and progress toward international treaties and agreements on such uses of the ocean. MPR’s Rich Dietman hosts and moderates’ program.
January 30, 1982 - Al Quie concession call-in. Bob Potter is host, listener call-in.
February 2, 1982 - NPR’s Bill Buzenberg presents live coverage of the Inter-American Affairs Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on human rights in El Salvador, with witnesses including Thomas Enders, Assistant Under Secretary of State for Latin American Affairs.
February 6, 1982 - Bill Knight of the Internal Revenue Service talks with Bob Potter and answers live listener questions on federal income taxes.
February 8, 1982 - MPR reporter Nancy Fushan talks with some of the people protesting against President Ronald Reagan's appearance in Minnesota, and MPR capitol reporter Pat Kessler talks with Senator David Durenberger about his reactions to the President's programs and policies.
February 12, 1982 - In this Science Town Meeting, held at Arts and Science Center Auditorium in St. Paul, Bruce Small, an environmental engineer and author, speaks on formaldehyde and indoor air pollutants. Small’s address is titled “Indoor Pollution: Home, Deadly Home.” MPR’s Rich Dietman hosts and moderates’ program.
February 13, 1982 - On this live call-in program, Esme Evans, Minnesota Revenue Department Publications Officer, and Dave Semrud, supervisor of the telephone assistance office, answer live listener questions on state income taxes.