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 17, 1982 - Nancy Fushan interviews Richard Killmer, oboist at The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, who is leaving the Orchestra to teach at the Eastern School in New York. Killmer discusses teaching, talent of students, and “voice” of oboe.
May 23, 1982 - A discussion of the trouble facing the farm economy, such as government subsidies, record high interest rates and the world food situation. Midday guest G. Edward Schuh, professor of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota, answers listener questions.
May 26, 1982 - St. Paul Police Chief William McCutcheon answers live listener questions.
May 29, 1982 - On this Firing Line program, host William F. Buckley Jr. discusses the late President Lyndon Johnson with the author Robert Caro, who has written a 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 - Dale Connelly talks with author and essayist Roger Angell about his book on baseball, Late Innings. Angell comments on the impact of baseball strike, disenchantment of fanbase, and business end of the sport.
June 2, 1982 - Retiring University of Minnesota Political Science Professor Mulford Q. Sibley expresses his political, social, and religious views in a local speech.
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.