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 23, 1983 - House Debate on Property Tax Relief and consequences for farmers
May 24, 1983 - Jehan Sadat, wife of the late Egyptian president Anwar Sadat, speaking as part of the Carlson Lecture Series, sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Sadat’s address was on world peace. Since her husband's assassination, Sadat has emerged as a humanitarian leader of Egypt. During the wars of 1967 and 1973, Mrs. Sadat visited troops in the combat zone and made daily visits to the wounded and won widespread admiration from the Egyptian people.
May 24, 1983 - Host Robert Cromie talks with Daniel B. Frank, author of Deep Blue Funk, a book about teenage unwed mothers.
May 25, 1983 - Bill Kennedy and Dave Krogseng answer listener questions.
May 28, 1983 - Bill Kling, MPR president, discusses current financial challenges of public radio. Includes various financial and programming topics. Kling also answers listener questions.
May 31, 1983 - Ginger Cisco of the Minnesota Tourism Department answers listener questions about Minnesota vacation spots, bargains, and summer festivals.
June 2, 1983 - Horizons
June 4, 1983 - "Where We Live," a geographer's guide to Twin Cities neighborhoods.Authors David Lanegran and Judith Martin on twin cities neighborhoods take calls from listeners.
June 11, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Bill Nunn discusses vegetable gardener. Topics include uncertain weather, timing of planting, and insects. Nunn also answers listener questions.
June 18, 1983 - University of Minnesota economist Walter Heller answers listener questions.