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.
March 31, 1976 - "Education Today -- How Relevant?" is the topic discussed in this National Town Meeting by Minnesota Representative Albert Quie, ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, among others.
April 7, 1976 - United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger gave the keynote address at the National Conference on the Causes of Popular Dissatisfaction with the Administration of Justice (a.k.a. the Pound Conference) in St. Paul. Speech was titled “Agenda for 2000 AD: A Need for Systematic Anticipation.” Justive Burger was Introduced by Robert Sheran, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice.
April 15, 1976 - Tom Wolfe, the author credited for developing "The New Journalism", speaks at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks on the direction of "The New Journalism" for the 7th Annual University of North Dakota Writers Conference.
April 23, 1976 - John Merli talks with Senator Hubert Humphrey 6 days before his announcement not to actively seek the 1976 Democratic Presidential nomination about his personal retreat at Lake Waverly, and about his unique "non-running" position in campaign 1976.
April 28, 1976 - Businessman Luigino “Jeno” Francesco Paulucci, self-described “peddler from the Iron Range”, speaking in Hibbing about the Range and it's economic problems.
April 28, 1976 - A special conference examining agriculture and foreign policy, the future of Soviet-American relationships, and other foreign affairs that have an impact on Minnesota.
May 6, 1976 - Highlights from the 7th Annual Writers Conference at the University of North Dakota. Participants include Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, B. J. Phillips (from Ms. Magazine), North Dakota poet Larry Woiwode and others.
May 7, 1976 - Consumer advocate Ralph Nader speaking at a symposium on "Corporate Responsibility and the North Country" in Duluth. The day-long session was one of seven being held around Minnesota sponsored by the Minnesota Public Interest Research Foundation.
May 17, 1976 - Calvin Fremling, Winona State University biologist, discusses river management of Minnesota's section of the Mississippi with reporter Neal St. Anthony at River Conference. Dr. Fremling has spent most of his professional career studying man's effects on the Mississippi River.
May 17, 1976 - New York Times political columnist and supreme court specialist Anthony Lewis speaking at Hamline University. Topic was “A Constitutional Faith."