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 24, 1984 - Minneapolis Star Tribune food columnist Al Sicherman talks about food, writing and humor.
April 28, 1984 - On this Weekend program, Jocelyn Tilsen, director of Twin Cities Parents Anonymous chapter, and two parents active in group, talk about help and support available to abusive parents. Tilsen also answers listener questions.
May 1, 1984 - Part one of a three-part Human Rights Series. Program features recorded testimony from the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals. Richard Oakes, Hamline University Law School founder, narrates the program.
May 5, 1984 - Deb Brown, horticulturist from University of Minnesota on lawn care
May 8, 1984 - Part two of a three-part Human Rights Series. Program features discussion with Walter Anastas, law professor at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul and born in the Ukraine; Barbara Frye, vice president of the Minnesota Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights and has spent time in Chile; and Jerry Ingber, an immigration lawyer familiar with political asylum issues.
May 9, 1984 - Dr. Ronald Cranford, chief of neurology at Hennepin County Medical Center, answers listener questions on issues of current medical ethics.
May 12, 1984 - Attorney General Skip Humphrey and Better Business Bureau president answer listener questions about consumer affairs.
May 15, 1984 - Part three of a three-part Human Rights Series The impact that non-governmental organizations can have on human rights abuses are discussed by David Weissbrodt, past General Counsel of Amnesty International and current law professor at the U of M; Hennepin County Judge Roberta Levy; and Sam Heins, president of the Minnesota Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights.
May 25, 1984 - J.G. Preston, sports director of Minnesota News Network, discusses baseball in the state, probable sale of Minnesota Twins, current owner Calvin Griffith, and other sports issues. Preston also answers listener questions.
May 28, 1984 - Economist Lester Thurow speaking to a meeting of the Minnesota Project on Corporate Responsibility. Thurow’s address was on the topic "Economics and Education." After speech, Thurow answered audience questions.