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.
April 15, 1983 - Former Minnesota governor and perennial presidential candidate speaks and takes calls from listeners.
April 16, 1983 - Gerald Isaacs answers listener questions on the regional government body and its duties. Five callers.
April 18, 1983 - Jewish author Eli Wiesel is a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, he spoke at a Survivor's Conference with other death-camp survivors and some excerpts from his book "Night" are read by Arthur Hoehn.
April 22, 1983 - Chicago chiropractor Dr. Chester Wilk and Minnesota chiropractor Dr. Jeffrey Falck answer live listener questions on at antitrust lawsuit filed by chiropractors against the American Medical Association and on the practice of chiropractic in general.
April 25, 1983 - The University of Minnesota College Bowl team, led by captain Bob Maranto, attempt to answer listener questions on a broad variety of subjects.
April 26, 1983 - Andrew Young, former U.N. ambassador, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Young’s address was on the topic of an American model that includes human rights, peace, and prosperity. Following speech, Young answered audience questions. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
April 30, 1983 - Jane McKinnon on the weekend call-in talking about flowering trees and plants that bloom in the spring.
May 3, 1983 - Allan Gotlieb, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. speaking at a Minnesota Meeting about Canadian-American relations. Gotlieb also answered several questions from audience. 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.
May 3, 1983 - Robert Cromie talks with Joanne Beck about her book about giving a child a head start in life.
May 7, 1983 - On this Weekend program, fishing expert Chet Meyers, who shares advice on fishing in anticipation of the Minnesota fishing opener. Topics include lake fish population, carp perceptions, and catch limits. Meyers also answers listener questions.