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.
October 5, 1984 - A tape recorded tour of three parts of Carver Park, given by Kathy Heidel, a naturalist.
October 15, 1984 - Writer Kurt Vonnegut lectures at the University of Wisconsin in River Falls on "How to Get a Job Like Mine." He comments on Alcoholics Anonymous, Ronald Reagan, meditation and the future of books, in addition to discussing his own writings.
October 16, 1984 - Helmut Schmidt, former chancellor of West Germany, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Schmidt’s address was on the topic “The U.S.-Soviet Standoff: A European Perspective.” Following speech, Schmidt answered audience questions. Schmidt, a Social Democrat, was chancellor from 1974 to 1982. During his tenure he gained renown as a tough-minded pragmatist and a skillful manager of economic affairs. Schmidt adhered to the policy of "Ostpolitik" (reconciliation with the Communist countries of Eastern Europe) while also seeking stronger ties with the United States. A strong believer in arms control, Schmidt encouraged negotiations between the superpowers. He promoted economic cooperation among Western European nations and was one of the founders of the annual Economic Summits, which began in 1975. Domestically, Schmidt employed stringent measures to combat unemployment and to safeguard West Germany's position as the country with the lowest inflation rate and the largest trade volume in Europe. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
October 19, 1984 - MPR special coverage of senatorial debate between Joan Growe and Rudy Boschwitz. Agriculture policy is highlighted. Debate was held at St. Johns University, and sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio.
October 31, 1984 - Author Michael Harrington speaking at forum on hunger and poverty held at Macalester College. Harrington addressed the politics of hunger. After speech, Harrington answered audience questions. Harrington is the author of several books including “The Other America" and "The New American Poverty."
November 3, 1984 - Bill Kling, president of American Public Radio, discusses the status of the network and plans for the future of organization. Topics include federal government funding issues, expansion of signal into rural areas, and foreign news programming. Kling also answers listener questions.
November 6, 1984 - Robin Duke, national co-chair of the Populations Crisis Committee and a consultant to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Duke addressed the subject of global population. Duke is known for her long-standing interest in the problems of underdeveloped nations, especially in the area of women's health and family planning. She has made surveys of population programs in Bangladesh, India, Japan, Bolivia, El Salvador and Mexico. After speech, Duke 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.
November 12, 1984 - Studs Terkel, author, historian and actor, speaking at Minnesota Press Club. Terkel’s address was titled “On the Good War.” Following speech, Terkel answers audience questions.
November 13, 1984 - Dale Archibald, editor of Computer User magazine, discusses latest computer products and practical applications of computers for home, business and teaching. Archibald also answers listener questions.
November 16, 1984 - Tony Bouza answers listener questions about police work and law enforcement. Speaks on controversial Minneapolis Police Decoy Unit and Sal Saran Scott lawsuit. Scott, 22, was shot in the face at point blank range after being arrested by a Minneapolis police officer who was a member of the controversial decoy unit. The shooting was considered accidental and was the second such "accident" by the same officer.