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.
August 15, 1985 - This month marks the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the end of the second world war. Today you'll hear a rebroadcast of a program entitled "Hiroshima Countdown", tracing the development of the atomic bomb. With commentary by Studs Terkel, author of "The Good War."
August 23, 1985 - Recollections of World War II as told by residents of New Ulm, Minnesota. Their stories were told to former Minnesota Public Radio producer Mark Heistad, who now teaches journalism at the University of St. Thomas. This documentary was produced with a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.
August 27, 1985 - Rudy Boschwitz, Minneosta U.S. senator (i-R), discusses concerns regarding current domestic and international matters, including South Africa. Boschwitz also answers listener questions.
August 28, 1985 - Jerry Cassidy examines issues of Indian hunting and fishing rights in his documentary "American Indians in the 1980s: New Struggles for Old Rights." Program includes numerous interviews and commentary on treaty rights.
August 29, 1985 - Garrison Keillor, author of the just released "Lake Wobegon Days", answers listener questions about his writing and his show "A Prairie Home Companion".
September 2, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents "The Strike is On!," an oral history of the early labor movement in Minnesota, with emphasis on the struggle to organize Iron Range workers, Austin’s Hormel strike, the Minneapolis truckers strike of 1934, and more.
September 3, 1985 - Mike Osterholm, chief of acute disease epidemiology at the Minnesota Department of Health; and Morris Floyd, director of the Minnesota AIDS Project, speaking at the Minnesota Press Club in Minneapolis.
September 14, 1985 - Al Sicherman, food writer for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, answers listener questions about food.
September 17, 1985 - William Brock, U.S. labor secretary, speaking at the Elephant Club, as part of a fundraising luncheon for Minnesota's Independent-Republican party. Brock addressed the topic of his work at the labor department, labor management relations, the economy, and trade policy. After speech, Brock answered audience questions. Brock is known for his tenure as the United States' Special Trade Representative. He served as the nation's Chief Trade Advisor and International Trade Negotiator from 1981 until President Reagan asked him to move to the Labor Department last year. Brock was also chairman of the National Republican Party in the last 1970s and represented Tennessee for four terms as a congressman and one term as a U.S. Senator.
September 21, 1985 - On this Weekend program, Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking; and Diane, his wife, discuss being running enthusiasts. Topics include Twin Cities marathon, recreational running, and winter exercise. Alan and Diane Page also answer listener questions.