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 25, 1983 - Michael Murphy, head of the Energy Division in the State Department of Energy Planning and Development, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Murphy addressed the subject of energy. 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 28, 1983 - Kathy Heidel calls in, answers questions about nature in the winter.
January 29, 1983 - Dan Flaherty answers listener questions about maintaining heating systems, and new heating system technologies.
January 31, 1983 - Dr. Thomas Gillaspy, the Minnesota state demographer, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Gillaspy addressed population trends from 1970 through 1990. Speech was part of day’s theme on how Minnesota population has changed, what that could mean for the future, and what sorts of investments will be needed in housing and public structures. 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 31, 1983 - Hazel Reinhardt, the first state demographer and now vice president and director of Human Resources for the Cowles Media Company, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Reinhardt addressed how population changes will have some important social and economic effects. Speech was part of day’s theme on how Minnesota population has changed, what that could mean for the future, and what sorts of investments will be needed in housing and public structures. 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 31, 1983 - James Solem, executive director of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Solem addressed the state's housing needs. Speech was part of day’s theme on how Minnesota population has changed, what that could mean for the future, and what sorts of investments will be needed in housing and public structures. 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 31, 1983 - James Kelly, president of the Spring Hill Center, and George Peterson, from the Urban Institute in Washington, speaking at the Minnesota Horizons Conference, held in St. Paul. Kelly and Peterson addressed status of Minnesota's infrastructure. Speech was part of day’s theme on how Minnesota population has changed, what that could mean for the future, and what sorts of investments will be needed in housing and public structures. 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.
February 2, 1983 - Horizons conference held in Saint Paul. Christenson shares recommendations on changes in the state's property tax relief system. Christenson has many years of experience in government finance, having served as Commissioner of the Department of Finance from 1975 through 1979. Since 1981, he has been the Legislative Auditor. In 1982, his office was asked by the Audit Commission to prepare a report on the state's direct property tax relief programs, and speech reveals some of that study's findings, and his conclusions.
February 2, 1983 - Al Rosenthal, Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, speaking at Minnesota Horizons conference, held in Saint Paul. Rosenthal offered some views on the legislative process and made suggestions for possible reform. Rosenthal has worked with legislators since the mid-60s, through their organization, the National Conference of State Legislatures. Among his activities are a legislative oversight project in Minnesota and other states.
February 2, 1983 -