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.
October 7, 1985 - A post speech Q&A at forum on "The Implications of Consolidated Land Ownership" from the "Food, Farming and the Future" symposium, held at Concordia College in Moorhead. Keith Bjerke, president-elect of the Greater North Dakota Association and operator of a 3,000-acre farmstead in Northwood, North Dakota, had presented a pro large farm viewpoint; and Charles Lutz, Director of the Church in Society Office with the American Lutheran Church, had presented an anti large farm viewpoint. They both answered questions form the audience.
October 7, 1985 - Keith Bjerke, president-elect of the Greater North Dakota Association and operator of a 3,000-acre farmstead in Northwood, North Dakota, speaking at forum on "The Implications of Consolidated Land Ownership" from the "Food, Farming and the Future" symposium, held at Concordia College in Moorhead. Bjerke shares his views of large land ownership as it relates to agriculture and the production of food.
October 11, 1985 - Rick Smolan, author of "A Day in the Life of Canada", discusses his new book. Individuals collaborated with Smolan to create a collection of images of region; photographs all taken in a one-day time period. Smolan also answers listener questions about what he and his team of photographers learned about Canada.
October 12, 1985 - University of Minnesota Extension nutritionist Joanne Slavin answers listener questions about diets, nutrition, and healthy eating.
October 14, 1985 - The Metropolitan Senior Federation sponsored a conference called "Senior Options" and their executive director, Peter Wykoff, speaks with Bob Potter about the lives of senior citizens. Wykoff also answers listener questions about concerns of the elderly, including housing, financial security, diet, health, and exercise.
October 19, 1985 - Joe Alexander, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, answers listener questions about DNR activities
October 21, 1985 - A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary on AIDS, dealing with its history and development, epidemic proportions, myths, prospects for a cure, and the extent of its global presence. Program is hosted by Christopher Thomas.
October 22, 1985 - Dr. Garrett Hardin, professor of human ecology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, speaking at "Food, Farming and the Future" debate symposium at Concordia College in Moorhead. Hardon presented his view on American responsibility for solving the problem of world hunger. Hardin is best known for his ideas of "lifeboat ethics".
October 22, 1985 - Dr. Ron Sider, associate professor of theology at the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, speaking at "Food, Farming and the Future" debate symposium at Concordia College in Moorhead. Sider presented his view on American responsibility for solving the problem of world hunger. Sider is the author of several books, including "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger"
October 30, 1985 - Steve Peacenik, former governmental crisis manager, discusses hostage situations and soviet state psychological tactics. Pieczenik was one of the federal government's principal crisis managers during the Ford and Carter administrations. He was involved in the negotiations that led up to the release of more than 500 hostages, including those who were held after the takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran. He also assisted in the reorganization of the state department's office to combat terrorism and helped plan the Camp David summit conference. Pieczenik is currently a consultant to the Rand Corporation, recently completed a study on Soviet political behavior and decision-making, and has written a book titled, "The Mind Palace."