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 31, 1984 - Nancy Amidei, director of the Food Resources Action Coalition, speaking to a Twin Cities forum sponsored by the Mayor's Task Force on Food Policy in Saint Paul. Amidei’s address was titled "The Politics of Food." Focus of speech was on the poor and hunger. Afterwards, there were follow-up responses by Cy Carpenter and Ruth Ann Wefald.
January 5, 1985 - On this Weekend program, St. Paul Mayor George Latimer and Robert Ebel, both members of Minnesota Tax Study Commission, discuss commission's recommendations to the governor and the 1985 legislature.
January 7, 1985 - Author and literary critic Doris Grumbach discusses her writing and reads from her books "Chamber Music", "Missing Person" and "The Ladies".
January 12, 1985 - From 1982 to 1995, Bell served on the staff of the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine, where he taught and did clinical research in comparative oncology.
January 16, 1985 - MPR Special coverage of Don Fraser giving the State of the City address at the Lutheran Brotherhood Auditorium in downtown Minneapolis.
January 21, 1985 - Midday’s Paula Schroeder talks with Neville Marriner, music director of the Minnesota Orchestra; and Luella Goldberg, cultural liaison for British Festival of Minnesota, about the upcoming festival and music. Marriner and Goldberg also answer listener questions.
January 26, 1985 - Deb Brown answers listener questions about the care of indoor plants.
January 28, 1985 - On this Midday call-in program, a discussion with Jim Nichols, Minnesota's Agriculture Commissioner about the impact of farm crisis. Nichol's office has been a very busy one lately coordinating efforts of farmers and legislators to ease the farm debt crisis. Farmers have been organizing in 1985 to a greater degree than at any time since the Great Depression.
February 11, 1985 - Dave Durenberger, Minnesota U.S. senator (I-R), speaking at Minnesota Press Club. Durenberger shared his views on the deficit. Following speech, Durenberger answered audience questions.
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.