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.
December 17, 1974 - John Boland, state legislator and chairman of the Metropolitan Council, talks about the state of the region to the Citizens League annual meeting.
December 17, 1974 - Karen Klein, professor at Brandeis University, delivers luncheon address on the feminism and the family in literature at a meeting of the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter of the Brandeis Women. MPR’s Connie Goldman attended the event and recorded Dr. Klein's discussion.
December 30, 1974 - On this Options program, Anthropologist and author Margaret Mead speaks at American Museum of Natural History conference on aging.
January 7, 1975 - As part of a daylong conference sponsored by the University of Minnesota entitled China and the World Community, various panelists discuss China's role in the world from her own perspective as well as how other nations view China. Michel Oksenberg, an associate professor of political science at the University of Michigan, gives speech "China and the Model for Developing Nations.
January 7, 1975 - As part of a daylong conference sponsored by the University of Minnesota entitled China and the World Community, various panelists discuss China's role in the world from her own perspective as well as how other nations view China. Stanley Karnow, an associate editor of The New Republic magazine, gives speech "China and the International Organizations."
January 17, 1975 - Minnesota Senator Hubert Humphrey holds a press conference on January, 10 1975 in the Twin Cities. He talks about the United States in international matters, the energy crisis, and the economy.
January 23, 1975 - On this Options program, guests discuss such question as "Are are and life separate realms?", "Does the distinction between pop art and high art make any sense today?", and "What is trash and what is valuable in modern life and art?"
January 24, 1975 - Interview with Kevin McKiernan on tape recorded at the Alexian Novitiate on January 22, 1975. McKiernan details what transpired in creating recording of interview and getting tape out of Gresham.
January 29, 1975 - Charles P. Reinert, Ph.D. Dept. of Chemistry/Physics at Southwest Minnesota State College in Marshall, discusses agriculture and energy. Dr. Reinert was a member of the Governor's Energy Policy Task Force for the State of Minnesota.
February 23, 1975 - MPR’s Bob Potter presents a program on a book collection of local poets titled The Broken Glass Factory.