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.
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. Reading is in conjunction with novelist Alice Walker at The Saint Paul Hotel. Lloyd is introduced by David Mura.
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.
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.