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.
February 24, 1975 - A survey of the activities in and around the Alexian Brothers Monastery in Gresham, Wisconsin during the takeover by members of the Menominee Warrior Society. Includes comments by members of the Warrior Society, Ada Deer, Dennis Banks, National Guard commander Colonel Hugh Simonson, and others.
February 25, 1975 - Report on impact and implications of the termination of Mischa Penn's teaching career at the University of Minnesota. Last May, the Minnesota Daily newspaper printed an editorial that made reference to the dangers of a creeping grey mediocrity in academia. The issue that prompted this critique was the Mischa Penn affair, as well as the impact and implications of the termination of Mr. Penn's teaching career at the University. The discussion of the non-reappointment of Mischa Penn, assistant professor of Humanities at the University of Minnesota was moderated by Connie Goldman. Participants included Kenneth Keller, Professor of Chemical Engineering and acting Dean of the Graduate School; Anna Stanley, Graduate Teaching Associate in Afro-American Studies and a masters candidate in the American Studies Program; Anna Stanley, Graduate Teaching Associate in Afro-American Studies and a masters candidate in the American Studies Program; David R. Brown, Endocrinologist, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical Schools; and Martin Dworkin, Professor of Microbiology, University of Minnesota Medical School.
March 11, 1975 - The Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce sponsored the 29th annual Farm Forum, bringing together about 2000 Upper Midwest farmers and representatives of agribusiness to participate in panel discussions and hear from a variety of experts on national and international agricultural issues. One of the major addresses heard at that forum was by Dr. James D. McQuigg, an authority on world weather patterns and Director of the University of Missouri's Center for Climate and Environmental Assessment.
March 11, 1975 - The Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce sponsored the 29th annual Farm Forum, bringing together about 2000 Upper Midwest farmers and representatives of agribusiness to participate in panel discussions and hear from a variety of experts on national and international agricultural issues. One of the major addresses heard at that forum was Assistant US Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter. Secretary Yeutter oversees the Department of Agriculture's International Affairs and Commodity Programs.
March 31, 1975 - Dr. Estelle Ramey, a professor of physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University Medical School, speaking on the superiority of women. Dr. Ramey, who opened the Area Spring Women's Conference at Saint Cloud State College's Atwood Ballroom in Saint Cloud, told a large audience that women are intellectually equal to men and physically superior in some ways. Ramey has a Doctorate in Endocrinology and has spent several years researching the relationship between glands and the nervous system and stress responses.
April 1, 1975 - Leonard Woodcock, United Auto Workers president, speaking before the closing session of the Minnesota Social Service Association's 82nd Annual Welfare Conference in Minneapolis. Woodcock’s address was on the topic "Economic Realities and Human Needs."
April 1, 1975 - Helen Gilbert, masters in folklore and professor at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, speaking before the Spring Area Women's Conference at the Germain Hotel in St. Cloud. The title of the speech was "Women in Mythology."
April 4, 1975 - MPR’s Connie Goldman reports on the controversy that’s erupted over a directive banning teaching, advising directing, or suggesting of abortion or birth control in the classroom, issued by superintendent of South St Paul's Public School District.
April 4, 1975 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews anthropologists Nena and George O'Neill about their book “Shifting Gears.” The book deals with how to recognize and solve personal crises, and how to build self-confidence and self-esteem.
April 11, 1975 - A special report on the life, history and problems of the Mexican-American in Minnesota.