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.
February 3, 1983 - Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, sponsored by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Address was titled, "Has the United Nations Outlived Its Usefulness?" Following speech, Kirkpatrick answered audience questions. Kirkpatrick was appointed as permanent representative to the United Nations by President Reagan in January 1981. She is the first woman to hold that post. She also serves as a member of the president's cabinet. NOTE – After this event, The University of Minnesota regents passed an anti-heckling resolution.
February 3, 1983 - A Midday broadcast of City Club Forum with internationally known author, lecturer, and broadcaster Jan Novak speaking on Poland's struggle for freedom and Soviet threat to the west.
February 4, 1983 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl interviews Benny Phares, a parapsychologist, who discusses psychic phenomenon, out of body experiences, ghosts, hauntings and similar subjects. Phares also answers listener questions.
February 5, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Dave Semerad, official in the Minnesota Revenue Department's Taxpayer Assistance group, talks about preparing Minnesota income tax returns, and answers income tax questions from listeners.
February 11, 1983 - Roger Clarke, columnist and career consultant, discusses how to get a job in the high unemployment market and current economy. Clarke also answers listener questions.
February 12, 1983 -
February 15, 1983 -
February 17, 1983 - Eugenia Zukerman, flutist and arts critic, speaks at the Westminster Town Hall Forum. Zukerman’s address is titled "The Power of Music and the Music of Power."
February 19, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Rudy Perpich, governor of Minnesota, discusses his released budget plan for the state. Topics include employment and education. Perpich also answers listener questions.
February 21, 1983 - Walter Mondale declares his candidacy for president from the House chamber at the State Capitol. Potter provides a summary of Mondale’s career. There's a brief interview with David Lebedoff prior to Mondale speech.