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 8, 1984 - Sol Gordon, director of the Institute for Family Research and Education at Syracuse University and author of the book "Raising a Child Conservatively in a Sexually Permissive World", answers parents' questions about sex education.
February 9, 1984 - MPR’s Deborah Fisher presents part one of a series on the police profession. Report highlights the state's police skills training course, focusing on two students who took the course hoping to become police officers. Includes various interviews and commentary.
February 9, 1984 - Mark Heistad won the Minnesota Page One Award for Investigative Journalism for his piece on meatpacking. This is part two of two.
February 10, 1984 - Dave Jennings, State House Minority leader, discusses the House Independent-Republican view of issues to be discussed during the 1984 legislative session. Topics include the surplus, education, and state budget.
February 11, 1984 - Minnesota Third District GOP Congressman Bill Frenzel and Fifth District DFL Congressman Martin Sabo answer listener questions about the federal budget, foreign policy, and other matters to be discussed during the current session of Congress.
February 25, 1984 - On this Weekend program, this Hodding Carter, anchorman and chief correspondent for "Inside Story" on PBS, and formerly spokesman for the Department of State under the Carter administration, discusses politics, the press, public perception, and current events. Carter also answers listener questions. Program begins with a brief statement from Rick Lewis, MPR’s vice-president of News and Information, on the announcement of new organization project, called Public Policy Unit.
February 27, 1984 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews W. Harry Davis, chair of the Minneapolis School Board, discusses Black history in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Davis also answers listener questions.
February 28, 1984 - Part one of the three-part series "Juvenile Justice in Minnesota: Who's Minding Our Kids?"
March 2, 1984 - John R. Borchert and Judith A. Martin, co-authors of the book "Legacy of Minneapolis: Preservation Amid Change", answer listener questions about efforts to preserve the city's heritage of architecture and design.
March 7, 1984 - Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Carter’s address was on the topic “Priorities for a Great Nation.” Following speech, Carter answered audience questions.