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.
August 29, 1985 - Garrison Keillor, author of Lake Wobegon Days, answers listener questions about his writing and his show "A Prairie Home Companion."
September 2, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad presents "The Strike is On!," an oral history of the early labor movement in Minnesota, with emphasis on the struggle to organize Iron Range workers, Austin’s Hormel strike, the Minneapolis truckers strike of 1934, and more.
September 3, 1985 - Mike Osterholm, chief of acute disease epidemiology at the Minnesota Department of Health; and Morris Floyd, director of the Minnesota AIDS Project, speaking at the Minnesota Press Club in Minneapolis.
September 14, 1985 - On this Midday, Al Sicherman, food writer for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, answers listener questions about food. His book, Caramel Knowledge, is also discussed.
September 17, 1985 - William Brock, U.S. labor secretary, speaking at the Elephant Club, as part of a fundraising luncheon for Minnesota's Independent-Republican party. Brock addressed the topic of his work at the labor department, labor management relations, the economy, and trade policy. After speech, Brock answered audience questions. Brock is known for his tenure as the United States' Special Trade Representative. He served as the nation's Chief Trade Advisor and International Trade Negotiator from 1981 until President Reagan asked him to move to the Labor Department last year. Brock was also chairman of the National Republican Party in the last 1970s and represented Tennessee for four terms as a congressman and one term as a U.S. Senator.
September 21, 1985 - On this Weekend program, Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking; and Diane, his wife, discuss being running enthusiasts. Topics include Twin Cities marathon, recreational running, and winter exercise. Alan and Diane Page also answer listener questions.
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.