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 29, 1983 - Elizabeth Hall Janeway, author and women's movement activist, speaking at Minnesota Meeting in St. Paul. Janeway’s address was on the topic "Women's Rights as Human Rights." After speech, Janeway answered audience questions.
December 7, 1983 - Dr. Malcolm Blumenthal, allergy specialist and president of American Chapter of Asthmas and Allergy Foundation of America, discusses asthma and allergies. Blumenthal also answers listener questions.
December 15, 1983 - A Midday broadcast of Edwin "Ed" Meese, III as guest speaker at the National Press Club. Edwin "Ed" Meese, III (born December 2, 1931) is an attorney, law professor, and author who served in official capacities within the Ronald Reagan gubernatorial administration (1967-1974), the Reagan presidential transition team (1980), and the Reagan White House (1981-1985), eventually rising to hold the position of the 75th attorney general of the United States (1985-1988).
December 18, 1983 - Harlan Cleveland, former U.S. ambassador to NATO and head of Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, discusses world politics. Topics include Beirut bombing of marine barracks, arms control negotiations, and Middle East peace talks. Cleveland also answers listener questions.
December 20, 1983 - Bob Packwood, Oregon U.S. Senator (R), speaking at GOP Feminist Caucus of Minnesota dinner.
December 23, 1983 - On this Midday program, a rebroadcast presentation of Truman Capote reading his story, A Christmas Memory. The Capote reading took place at 1976 Writers Conference at University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
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 - A Midday broadcast of part two of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s George Orwell radio biography, "In Search of Poverty." This part covers the years 1927-1936. Scenes of Orwell in Paris and London find the hopeful writer in search of a subject. As Orwell matures as a writer, his social commitment grows and 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.