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.
December 23, 1983 - Truman Capote reads his story "A Christmas Memory"Narration by Truman Capote with music.
December 27, 1983 - Rozanne L. Ridgway, the U.S. Ambassador to the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), discusses U.S. relations with East Germany and other eastern bloc nations. Ridgway also answers listener questions.
January 3, 1984 - Part Two of the George Orwell radio biography, "In Search of Poverty".The years 1927-1936 are covered. Scenes in Paris and London find the hopeful writer in search of a subject. As Orwell matures as a writer, his social commitment growns. He marries Eileen O'Shaugnessy.
January 12, 1984 - Frank Magid, a news media consultant, speaking to the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Magid’s address was on the topic of audience research techniques and programming on commercial television. One of Magid’s clients is the Hubbard Broadcasting Company. Stanley Hubbard provides a brief introduction and history.
January 17, 1984 - State Representative John Tomlinson, DFL-St. Paul, chairman of the House Tax Committee, and Don Larson, publisher of "Don Larson's Business Newsletter" answer listener questions about the effect of Minnesota tax structure on business and jobs.
January 18, 1984 - Dr. Kenneth Klein, child psychologist at Minneapolis Children's Medical Center, answers questions about childhood emotional and behavioral problems.
January 19, 1984 - Michael Marien, futurist and editor of Future Survey, speaking at Itasca Seminar. Marien addresses the interconnection between information, economics and food.
January 30, 1984 - Twin Cities poet Roseann Lloyd reads from her work as part of a series of readings presented by COMPAS. She read in conjunction with novelist Alice Walker at The Saint Paul Hotel.
February 1, 1984 - A tour on foot and snowshoe of parts of the Lowry Nature Center Park Reserve with naturalist Kathy Heidel.
February 6, 1984 - Douglas Fraser, former president of the United Auto Workers union, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Fraser’s address was on the topic of "Have Unions Outlived Their Usefulness?" Following speech, Fraser answered several audience questions regarding labor. Fraser was a key figure in the restructuring of Chrysler Corporation, which saved the firm from bankruptcy, and saved the jobs of thousands of workers. Fraser became the first union official to sit on the company's board of directors. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.