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.
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 7, 1985 - MPR’s Lisa DeRemee reports on local reactions as the town of Sauk Centre prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sinclair Lewis’ birth. The “hometown son” has a complicated relationship to area, as his famous book Main Street provides a less than stellar fictional portrait of town and its residents.
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.
February 18, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents an MPR documentary, titled "When Farmers Took a Holiday." Little more than a half century ago Midwestern farmers staged a revolt against the Depression era farm crisis. This documentary reexamines the Farmer's Holiday Association movement through stories of farmers, political figures, bankers, and others.
February 18, 1985 - Senate debate: mortgage moratorium debate
February 18, 1985 - Mortgage moratorium debate in senate