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.
December 7, 1982 - Live coverage of the debate in the Minnesota House of Representatives on a bill to balance the state budget.
December 10, 1982 - Minnesota governor Al Quie calls a special session for the budget.
December 11, 1982 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with the Buttermilk Hill String Band. Members Rachel Nelson, fiddle and mandolin; Paula Brandes, guitar; and Liz Olds, banjo, discuss being street musicians. The band also perform songs and stories for the holiday season, as well as answer questions and take requests from listeners.
December 15, 1982 - Host Robert Cromie talks with Lou Cannon, author of "Reagan".
December 18, 1982 - On this Weekend program, Bruce Watson, consulting meteorologist, discusses northern lights, winter, and the science of weather. Watson also answers listener questions.
December 22, 1982 - Richard E. Leakey, paleoanthropologist and author, speaking at the 1982 Nobel Conference, held at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Leakey’s address was titled, "African Origins: A Review of the Record." Leakey is son of two of the most well-known figures in paleontology. He and his parents are internationally known for their work in East Africa. The Nobel Conference was the first lecture program outside the Scandinavian countries to be recognized by the Nobel Foundation. The theme of the 1982 conference was "Darwin's Legacy", in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Charles Darwin. Several experts in the fields of natural history and other disciplines explored Darwin's impact on science, history, and sociology.
December 27, 1982 - James Prior, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Prior is chief architect of the British Government's new proposal to give more power to elected officials in Northern Ireland in the hope of bringing about a lasting peace. His address is on the subject. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
December 31, 1982 - Minnesota Governor Al Quie delivered his farewell address at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. In the talk, Quie reviewed his more than 25 yeas in public office, which included terms in the state Senate, the U.S. Congress, and the Governor's office. Quie talked about changes he has seen in public life over the years, and the challenges he sees for the future.
January 1, 1983 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Joanne Slavin, associate professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, who discusses good food, nutrition, and healthy dietary guidelines. Slavin also answers listener questions.
January 4, 1983 - William Granger, author of The Shattered Eye and other spy stories, talks with host Robert Cromie