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.
September 25, 1985 - Tom O'Connell, assistant professor of Political Science and Labor Studies at Metropolitan University, and Bob Killeen, subregional director of the United Auto Workers union, answer listener questions about the future of organized labor.
October 1, 1985 - Dr. George Freier, University of Minnesota physics professor, discusses the scientific basis for some popular weather myths. Topics of weather lore include the nature of proverbs, rings around moon, insect movement, sky color, fishing, and rainbows. Freier also answers listener questions.
October 2, 1985 - Frances Moore Lappe, author and co-founder of the Institute for Food and Development Policy in San Francisco, speaking to a convocation at Concordia College in Moorhead, as part as part of an agricultural symposium entitled, "Food, Farming and the Future." Lappe’s address was titled, "Toward a Politics of Hope: Lessons from a Hungry World." Lappe wrote the best-selling book, "Diet for a Small Planet." She has written numerous articles and lectured around the world on the political and economic causes of world hunger.
October 7, 1985 - Charles Lutz, director of the Church in Society Office with the American Lutheran Church, speaking at forum on "The Implications of Consolidated Land Ownership" from the "Food, Farming and the Future" symposium, held at Concordia College in Moorhead. Lutz shares his views on the social concept of “land”, and against large farming operations.
October 7, 1985 - A post speech Q&A at forum on "The Implications of Consolidated Land Ownership" from the "Food, Farming and the Future" symposium, held at Concordia College in Moorhead. Keith Bjerke, president-elect of the Greater North Dakota Association and operator of a 3,000-acre farmstead in Northwood, North Dakota, had presented a pro large farm viewpoint; and Charles Lutz, Director of the Church in Society Office with the American Lutheran Church, had presented an anti large farm viewpoint. They both answered questions form the audience.
October 7, 1985 - Keith Bjerke, president-elect of the Greater North Dakota Association and operator of a 3,000-acre farmstead in Northwood, North Dakota, speaking at forum on "The Implications of Consolidated Land Ownership" from the "Food, Farming and the Future" symposium, held at Concordia College in Moorhead. Bjerke shares his views of large land ownership as it relates to agriculture and the production of food.
October 11, 1985 - Rick Smolan, author of "A Day in the Life of Canada", discusses his new book. Individuals collaborated with Smolan to create a collection of images of region; photographs all taken in a one-day time period. Smolan also answers listener questions about what he and his team of photographers learned about Canada.
October 12, 1985 - University of Minnesota Extension nutritionist Joanne Slavin answers listener questions about diets, nutrition, and healthy eating.
October 14, 1985 - The Metropolitan Senior Federation sponsored a conference called "Senior Options" and their executive director, Peter Wykoff, speaks with Bob Potter about the lives of senior citizens. Wykoff also answers listener questions about concerns of the elderly, including housing, financial security, diet, health, and exercise.
October 19, 1985 - Joe Alexander, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, answers listener questions about DNR activities