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 10, 1983 - Robert Cromie talks with Michael Straight about his book, "After Long Silence."
May 12, 1983 - Nancy Gordon, who is assistant director for Human Resources and Community Development, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Gordon’s address was on the topic of federal government's projected budget deficit. 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 13, 1983 - Joyce Miller answers listener questions on the labor movement and worker rights.
May 14, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Steve Iserman, Director of the Zoological Garden, and Nancy Gibson, public information spokesperson for the Minnesota Zoo, discuss status and future of the zoo. Topics include labor relations, zoo birthday party, endangered species, breeding program, and grounds design. Iserman and Gibson also answer listener questions.
May 17, 1983 - John W. Vessey Jr., Army General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaking at Minnesota Meeting, a series of speeches sponsored by Minnesota businesses and the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. Vessey addressed the subject of national security. General Vessey is this country's top military adviser to the president, the National Security Council and the Secretary of Defense. A Minnesota native, Vessey did his undergraduate study at the University of Maryland, obtained his master’s degree from George Washington University, and Vessey has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart.
May 17, 1983 - Robert Cromie talks to Mary Morris about her novel, "Crossroads."
May 19, 1983 - Harrison Rogers and Severin Coop answer listener questions about doctors, their work, and charges that the medical profession is attempting to restrain trade of chiropractors.
May 21, 1983 - William F. Buckley, Jr., talks about medical malpractice with Dr. Arthur Mannix, Jr, Dr. Richard Moskowitz, and attorney Stanley Rosenblatt.
May 21, 1983 - Dale Archibald is one of the true pioneers of hi-tech journalism. He has been writing on high-technology topics for both local and national publications for over 20 years and also published a book during the 1980s. In addition, he has spent many years as an editor and publisher. He was founder of Computer User magazine, which is published now in nearly twenty major American cities, with initial editions in Minneapolis -St. Paul, Chicago, and Boston. He has helped in the establishment of other publication as well, dealing with computers, telecommunciations, and other technology topics.
May 23, 1983 - Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate debate and pass the oMinnesotaibus tax bill.