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.
July 15, 1985 - Russell Fridley, director of the Minnesota Historical Society, discusses History Center and historic sites throughout the state. Fridley also answers listener questions.
July 20, 1985 - On this Weekend program, Dave Durenberger, Minnesota U.S. senator (I-R), discusses hijackers, terrorism, domestic violence, gun laws, and international law. Durenberger also answer listener questions.
July 23, 1985 - John Borchert, geography professor at University of Minnesota, and Donald Groen, Bloomington Chamber of Commerce president, discuss proposals for convention centers and commercial development in the area including the "supermall" (aka - Mall of America). Topics include tourism, new business, potential revenue, and funding cost. Borchert and Groen also answer listener questions.
July 25, 1985 - Bruce Gardner, professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland, speaking at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. The theme of debate was “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.” Dr. Gardner spoke in favor of market influences controlling farm policy.
July 25, 1985 - Harold Breimyer, extension economist emeritus at the University of Missouri, speaking at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. The theme of debate was “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.” Breimyer argued that agricultural prices are an appropriate subject for public policy.
July 25, 1985 - Harold Breimyer, extension economist emeritus at the University of Missouri; and Bruce Gardner, professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland, provide closing statements at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. They both participated in debate titled “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.”
July 31, 1985 - MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Dr. Betty Jerome, director of the Teenage Medical Center in Minneapolis, about medical and behavior concerns of teenager. Topics include counseling, sex education, and family communication, amongst others. Jerome also answers listener questions.
August 5, 1985 - Arvonne Fraser, director of the Women, Public Policy, and Development Project at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, answers listener questions about her experiences at the International Women's Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
August 10, 1985 - Deb Brown, extension horticulturist at the University of Minnesota, answers listener questions about late summer/early fall lawn and garden project.
August 14, 1985 - On this Midday program Wayne Olhoft, executive director of the Berean League, answers listener questions about the political goals sought by this fundamentalist Christian organization.