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.
February 15, 1985 - Vin Weber, Minnesota U.S. representative, discusses the Conservative Opportunity Society, a group of influential, generally younger House Republicans; and about major issue before the current session of Congress. Weber also answers listener questions.
February 18, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents an MPR documentary, titled "When Farmers Took a Holiday." Little more than a half century ago Midwestern farmers staged a revolt against the Depression era farm crisis. This documentary reexamines the Farmer's Holiday Association movement through stories of farmers, political figures, bankers, and others.
February 18, 1985 - Senate debate: mortgage moratorium debate
February 18, 1985 - Mortgage moratorium debate in senate
February 18, 1985 - Mortgage moratorium debate in senate
February 28, 1985 - Kenneth Keller answers listener questions about his plans to change the academic program at the University of Minnesota.
March 1, 1985 - Ron Dellums, chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Dellums address was titled "1985: The Struggle for Peace and Justice Continues." Dellums speaks on immense expense of national defense budget while minority and the poor struggle in country. 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.
March 14, 1985 - Geraldine Ferraro speaking at the Carlson Lecture series at the University of Minnesota. Ferraro’s address was titled, "Reflections on the Past and Prospects for the Future." Ferraro spoke of the state of women's changing rights and roles in society. Program begins with brief report from MPR’s Dan Olson.
March 25, 1985 - New York Times health writer Jane Brody answers listener questions about health care for women.
April 2, 1985 - G. Gordon Liddy, former Watergate conspirator, speaking to students at St. Olaf College. In address, Liddy discusses his career in espionage, his involvement in Watergate and his opinion of prisons in this country. Watergate continues to fascinate many of us and one of the most intriguing figures in that drama was G. Gordon Liddy. Liddy refused to discuss the Watergate conspiracy with prosecutors or congressional investigators and was sent to prison for his refusal to cooperate. Liddy spent five years in nine different prisons for his role in Watergate until his sentence was commuted by former president Jimmy Carter.