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.
June 1, 1985 - Deborah Brown, extension horticulturist with the Dial U Plant and Insect Clinic, answers listener questions about yard and garden problems.
June 7, 1985 - Author Betty Bao Lord speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Lord shares her personal reflections on China. After address, Lord answers audience questions. Lord serves on several national councils where the focus is Asia generally and China specifically. She is the author of "Spring Moon: A novel of China" and the children's book "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson." Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
June 24, 1985 - George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Will's address was titled, "A Conservative Looks at the Reagan Years." Following speech, Will answered audience questions. Program begins with MPR’s Dan Olson reporting from event and discussing news items with MPR’s Paula Schroeder. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
June 25, 1985 - Arnold Ismach, outgoing director of graduate studies at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism takes listener's calls about the performance of the Minnesota print and broadcast news media.
July 4, 1985 - Fourth of July special on the history of Fort Snelling. A tour of the buildings, and conversations with people who dress and act in the style of the 1830's when Fort Snelling was the hub of the Upper Mississippi with Mark Heistad and Dan Olson.
July 6, 1985 - Dr. Ford Bell, resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine, answers listener questions about the difficulties which befall dogs and cats.
July 15, 1985 - Russell Fridley, director of the Minnesota Historical Society, discusses History Center and historic sites throughout the state. Fridley also answers listener questions.
July 20, 1985 - On this Weekend program, Dave Durenberger, Minnesota U.S. senator (I-R), discusses hijackers, terrorism, domestic violence, gun laws, and international law. Durenberger also answer listener questions.
July 23, 1985 - John Borchert, geography professor at University of Minnesota, and Donald Groen, Bloomington Chamber of Commerce president, discuss proposals for convention centers and commercial development in the area including the "supermall" (aka - Mall of America). Topics include tourism, new business, potential revenue, and funding cost. Borchert and Groen also answer listener questions.
July 25, 1985 - Bruce Gardner, professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland, speaking at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. The theme of debate was “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.” Dr. Gardner spoke in favor of market influences controlling farm policy.