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 8, 1983 - Dan Olson hosts Listener Call-in with survivalist Tim Kneeland.
January 11, 1983 - Host Robert Cromie talks with Thomas Kinsella about his novel Schindler's List.
January 11, 1983 - Senator Rudy Boschwitz speaks to his people by way of the telephone and the radio.
January 14, 1983 - Call-in on adolescent sexuality with Dr. Kristi Klett, St Louis Park pediatrician
January 15, 1983 - Dr. Norma Ramsay call-in on recent developments in cancer research and treatment
January 17, 1983 - Republican Senator Rudy Boschwitz and DFL Governor Rudy Perpich held a town meeting in Hibbing, the Governor's hometown. Hibbing is in the heart of the Minnesota Iron Range, the area of the state which has been most harshly affected by the economic recession.
January 18, 1983 - Lady Mary Soames, author of a book several generations of the Churchills, talks with host Robert Cromie
January 22, 1983 - Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials Bill Knight and Shirley Paplow on federal income tax questions.
January 24, 1983 - Walter Heller, regents professor of economics at University of Minnesota, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Heller addressed the subject of recession and economic outlook of the U.S. and Minnesota. The conference was intended to give state legislators a more comprehensive view of the difficult problems facing the state than they normally get during regular hearings. The conference brought together experts from such fields as economics, energy, housing, agriculture, education, natural resources, and the funding of public services.
January 24, 1983 - Gerald Corrigan, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Corrigan addressed Minnesota’s economy, providing a historical perspective and outlook. The conference was intended to give state legislators a more comprehensive view of the difficult problems facing the state than they normally get during regular hearings. The conference brought together experts from such fields as economics, energy, housing, agriculture, education, natural resources, and the funding of public services.