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.
July 25, 1985 - Harold Breimyer, extension economist emeritus at the University of Missouri, 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.” Breimyer argued that agricultural prices are an appropriate subject for public policy.
July 25, 1985 - Harold Breimyer, extension economist emeritus at the University of Missouri; and Bruce Gardner, professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland, provide closing statements at Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture Series at St. Cloud State University. They both participated in debate titled “Resolved: The Fate of Farming Should Be Determined in the Marketplace.”
July 31, 1985 - MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Dr. Betty Jerome, director of the Teenage Medical Center in Minneapolis, about medical and behavior concerns of teenager. Topics include counseling, sex education, and family communication, amongst others. Jerome also answers listener questions.
August 5, 1985 - Arvonne Fraser, director of the Women, Public Policy, and Development Project at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, answers listener questions about her experiences at the International Women's Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
August 10, 1985 - Deb Brown, extension horticulturist at the University of Minnesota, answers listener questions about late summer/early fall lawn and garden project.
August 14, 1985 - On this Midday program Wayne Olhoft, executive director of the Berean League, answers listener questions about the political goals sought by this fundamentalist Christian organization.
August 15, 1985 - In marking the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the end of the second World War, a rebroadcast of a program entitled Hiroshima Countdown, which traces the development of the atomic bomb. Documentary includes 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.