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.
August 22, 1983 - Joel Solkoff, author of Learning to Live Again, My Triumph Over Cancer, answers of how to be informed about medical treatment.
August 23, 1983 - Dr. Paul Rosenblatt, author of "Bitter, Bitter Tears: Nineteenth Century Diarists and Twentieth Century Grief Theories," answers listeners' questions about grief and bereavement.
August 26, 1983 - Marti Zins, president of the Minnesota Education Association (MEA) answers listeners' questions about teachers' roles in education.
August 29, 1983 - Lester Stern and Sy Friedeman answer questions about starting and operating a small business.
September 2, 1983 - Peter Arnett, a CNN journalist, speaking to the 19th Annual Pulitzer Forum, sponsored by the World Press Institute, at Macalester College. Arnett’s address was titled "Bang-Bang and Other Stories: Vietnam's Legacy for Today's War Correspondent." Arnett wrote a 13-part television series on Vietnam called "The 10-Thousand Day War." After speech, Arnett answered audience questions. New Zealand-born, the 56-year-old Peter Arnett is no stranger to war. In 1966 he won the Pulitzer Prize tor International Reporting for his coverage of the Vietnam War. He covered that war, for 13 years, for the Associated Press. He was one of the few reporters to remain in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Arnett then went on to become one of the AP's five senior reporters. Among other major stories Arnett has covered are the Attica prison riot in 1971, the McGovern campaign, the Carter campaign, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, fighting in El Salvador, upheaval in Nicaragua, and the Iranian hostage crisis. He became a Cable News Network correspondent in 1981. Arnett spent two years as CNN's Moscow bureau chief before assuming his present job as a national / international correspondent in 1988.
September 3, 1983 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Dave Roe, President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations). Roe discusses recent developments in organized labor and answers listener questions. Program begins with commentary from Roe on shooting down of commercial South Korean airliner by Soviet Union days earlier.
September 13, 1983 -
September 14, 1983 - Barbara Matusow, author of "The Evening Stars," talks about the evolution of the television network anchor. Matusow also answers listener questions.
September 16, 1983 - James Ulland, Minnesota senate minority leader, discusses the alternatives he favors to state policies pursued by the majority DFL party. His critical view of the state is addressed. Ulland also answers listener questions.
September 17, 1983 - Mike Zerby, staff photographer from the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, and instructor at the College of St. Thomas, answers listener questions about the art and technology of photography. Zerby has covered two space shuttles, the trip of the Viking replica ship Hjemkomst, and has photographed births and abortions.