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 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."
November 2, 1985 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Kathy Heidel, naturalist at the Lowry Nature Center, on what is going on with plant and animal life this time of year. Heidel also answers listener questions.
November 5, 1985 - Mike Steele, theater critic for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, and Roy Close, music critic for the St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch, answer listener questions about developments in Twin Cities music, theater, and dance worlds, and about their jobs as critics.
November 6, 1985 - Wyman Spano and D.J. Leary, editors of the newsletter "Politics in Minnesota," discuss the outcome of Tuesday's general election, and about other political developments in Minnesota. Topics include historic low turnout and special interest groups. Spano and Leary also answer listener questions.
November 8, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad unravels a chapter in Minnesota history and lore with documentary titled “A Story of Crime, Criminals and Corruption." Heistad tracked down numerous stories about some notorious gangsters in Minnesota, including John Dillinger shooting it out with G-Men in St. Paul, Al Capone buying moonshine in Stearns County, and Barker-Karpis gang vacationing in White Bear Lake.
November 9, 1985 - Dr. Robert Anderson, director of the University of Minnesota Center to Study Human-Animal Relationships, answers listener questions about dog and cat behavior problems.
November 11, 1985 - Tomie DePaola, children's book author and illustrator; and Al Greenfield, reading specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education, discuss reading and literacy. Topics also include wordless books and verbal skills. DePaola and Greenfield also answer listener questions about literacy problems for children and adults. Tomie DePaola has illustrated children’s books since 1965 and received Caldecott honor for book “Strega Nona.”
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.