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.
November 12, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Alan Page and Diane Sims Page discuss staying fit during the winter months. They share various running tips in the cold weather, and answer listeners’ questions.
November 15, 1983 - Eugene McCarthy, former Minnesota senator and presidential candidate, speaks at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. McCarthy’s address was titled "Growing Up in Rural Minnesota.” McCarthy speaks of experiences in his hometown of Watkins, some of which were expressed in a collection of poems entitled Gene McCarthy's Minnesota.
November 18, 1983 - Listener call-in. Chairman and CEO of Cray Research, John Rollwagen, answers questions on business aspects of the high technology revolution.
November 19, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Bruce Watson, consulting meteorologist in the Twin Cities, discusses various topics, including upcoming winter and storm research. Watson also answered listener questions.
November 19, 1983 - Buckminster Fuller speaks at the Cambridge Forum about higher education.
November 21, 1983 - On this Midday, Richard Ojakangas and Charles Matsch, authors of Minnesota Geology, answer questions on Minnesota’s ground and bedrock.
November 22, 1983 - Walter Heller, economics professor at the University of Minnesota, recalls his days as the chief economic adviser to President John F. Kennedy, on this 20th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination.
November 26, 1983 - Dr. Betty Jerome, director of the Teenage Medical Center at Minneapolis Children's Health center, answers questions about teenagers their problems, and how to deal with them.
November 28, 1983 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl takes listeners calls on their thoughts and activities during large snowstorm that paralyzed city. The Twins Cities received over 14 inches of snow.
November 28, 1983 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Sol Gordon about his book, Raising a Child Conservatively in a Sexually Permissive World.