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.
November 13, 1985 - Ray Glumack, chairman of the Metropolitan Airport Commission, answers listener questions about the continuing controversy over airport noise, the decision to begin pull-tab gambling at the charter terminal, and other matters.
November 14, 1985 - Dr. Wes Jackson, co-founder of the Land Institute, a non-profit educational research center in Salina, Kansas, gave closing address at major agricultural symposium at Concordia College in Moorhead. Jackson’s speech was titled "Food, Farming and the Future." Jackson is the author of three books: "Man and His Environment", "New Roots for Agriculture", and "Meeting the Expectations of the Land." He also teaches land stewardship and sustainable agriculture.
November 15, 1985 - Tony Bouza, Minneapolis police chief, discusses current law enforcement issues. Topics include 2nd precinct problems, pornography, and demonstrator arrests at Honeywell. Bouza also answers listener questions.
November 15, 1985 - MPR Special broadcast of the inauguration of Kenneth H. Keller as the twelfth president of the University of Minnesota, live from the Northrop Auditorium.
November 16, 1985 - Minneapolis physician Dr. Keith Sehnert, author of a newly published book, "Selfcare/Wellcare", answers listener questions about his approach to good health.
November 19, 1985 - Lane Kirkland, AFL-CIO president, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Kirkland’s address was on the topic of unions and the American future. Following speech, Kirkland answered audience questions. Kirkland has been appointed to several presidential commissions, including the Presidential Commission to Study Social Security (1983) and the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America (1984). Among the boards he serves on are the American Council on Germany, American Arbitration Association, the Rockefeller Foundation, International Broadcasting, the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Planning Association and the National Endowment for Democracy. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
November 20, 1985 - Mitch Snyder, director of the Center for Creative Non-Violence in Washington D.C., speaking to the National Forum on Urban Homelessness, held at the University of Minnesota. Snyder’s address was on the problems of the homeless. Snyder was the subject of a made-for-television 1986 biopic, “Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story,” starring Martin Sheen.
November 21, 1985 - Live coverage of a Westminster Town Hall Forum with Isaac Bashevis Singer on "The Stories of Isaac Singer".Isaac Bashevis Singer began his literary career in his native Poland as a journalist for the Yiddish press. He published his first novel in 1935 and, in that same year, immigrated to the United States where his stories and novels have received high acclaim. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1978 and is the recipient of two National Book Awards and a grant from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
November 23, 1985 - University of Minnesota housing expert Bill Angell talks about consumer problems in the home improvement market and the victimization of elderly people.
November 27, 1985 - Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Episcopal priest, author, lecturer, and psychotherapist answers listener questions about coping with loss and with the emotional stresses of the holiday season.