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.
November 20, 1982 - Interview, call-in with University of Minnesota extension housing specialist Bill Angell, on home repair, remodeling, etc
November 23, 1982 - Host Robert Cromie talks with novelist Ernest K. Gann.
November 24, 1982 - This program looks at prostitution.
November 27, 1982 - Librarian Mary Alice Sell answers live listener questions about selecting books as holiday gifts for children and teenagers.
November 30, 1982 - Climatologist Iben Browning speaking to Investment Advisors, Inc., in Bloomington. Browning states a combination of natural forces will cause what he terms a double-dip winter for most of the United States. It will be cold at first with lots of snow, then warm, then cold again late into next spring. For the long term into the next century, Browning predicts that crop growing seasons in many countries will be shortened by a trend to cooler weather in the Northern Hemisphere. Iben Browning holds a PhD degree in zoology, genetics and physiology from the University of Texas, and the author of several books including one titled, "Climate and the Affairs of Man".
November 30, 1982 - Donald Baker, University of Minnesota professor of soil science, and Brian Hanson, of the University of Minnesota Department of Geography, discuss climate predictions. Baker and Hanson also answer listener questions.
November 30, 1982 - Host Robert Cromie talks with author and Neiman-Marcus president Stanley Marcus.
December 3, 1982 - Author Irving Stone speaking at Nobel Conference XVIII - Darwin's Legacy held at Gustavus Adolphus College. Stone’s address was titled “"The Human Mind after Darwin.” His latest book is entitled, "The Origin"; it is a history of Charles Darwin, his friends, and his time. He has achieved best-selling popularity and critical acclaim for such works as "Lust for Life", "The Agony and the Ecstasy", and "Passions of the Mind". The Nobel Conference at Gustavus was the first formal Nobel lecture program outside of Sweden and Norway to have the official authorization of the Nobel Foundation. The annual program began in 1965 and features several Nobel laureates and other highly acclaimed scholars. The 1982 conference theme was Darwin's Legacy, in observance of the centenary of the death of Charles Darwin. Eminent figures in the fields of natural history and other disciplines discussed Darwin's effects not only on science, but on history and sociology.
December 4, 1982 - A conversation with Minneapolis police chief Anthony Bouza. Bob Potter hosts this "Weekend" program. Includes listener participation.
December 7, 1982 - Host Robert Cromie talks with John Eisenhower, author of "Allies", a book about World War II.