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.
June 2, 1984 - Futurist Arthur Harkins from the University of Minnesota answers listener questions about how the roles of men and women may change on the job and at home.
June 8, 1984 - Ted Sorensen, author and former presidential aide to JFK, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Sorensen’s address was titled "A Different Kind of Presidency." He proposes a coalition government, one in which the presidential candidate selects a running mate from the other party. Such an administration, he says, would break the political deadlock and thereby avoiding otherwise irreversible damage and danger. After speech, Sorensen answers listener questions. Lew Lehr, chairman and chief executive officer of the 3M Company, chairman of the Minnesota Meeting, introduces Sorensen. 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.
June 12, 1984 - Adolescent girls rap about the future at Spring Hill Conference Center, in Wayzata. Joan Lipsitz, Director of the Center for Early Adolescence at the University of North Carolina, lead panel discussion.
June 25, 1984 - William Ruckelshaus, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Ruckelshaus’s address was titled "Environmental Protection in the '80s: A Time for Hope." A main topic is water pollution. After speech, Ruckelshaus answered audience questions. 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.
June 29, 1984 - Dr. David Keith, a psychiatrist at the Park Nicollet Medical Center, answers listener questions about family therapy.
July 5, 1984 - Orville Freeman, former Minnesota governor and secretary of agriculture, speaking at "The Future of the North American Grainery" conference, sponsored by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Freeman outlines his ideas for a new U.S. farm policy. Freeman served three terms as governor of Minnesota from 1955 to 1961. In 1961 he was appointed Secretary of Agriculture and held that office through the Kennedy and Johnson administrations until 1969.
July 7, 1984 - State Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Joe Alexander answers listener questions about state regulations of hunting, fishing, boating and other recreational activities.
July 11, 1984 - Listener call in with University of Minnesota entomologist Mark Ascerno, and Paula Schroeder
July 18, 1984 - Excerpted interview of Dr. John Davis, new executive director of Children's Theatre, who discusses the current issues at theatre. Davis left his position of President of Macalester College to take on new role.
July 23, 1984 - Dr. Ernest Boyer, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, speaking at 6th annual Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial lecture, held at St. Cloud State University. Boyer’s address was titled, “The Future of Education in America." He lays out what he sees as five key qualities for school renewal.