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 9, 1976 - An address by futurist author Robert Theobald before a conference on rural America, held in Crookston, Minnesota. The speech is titled "The Role of Rural America in the Year 2000."
August 14, 1976 - On this regional public affairs program, a look at the various aspects on the use and impact of the Mississippi river. Contains various interviews of officials, residents and historians, speaking about the river. Program also includes reading of Mark Twain by Garrison Keillor, and music intro/outro segments.
August 16, 1976 - Excerpts from Conference on Rural America held in July at Crookston, Minnesota. Father John McRaith, director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, spoke about land use and the future of rural America; and Father William Ryan, director of the Center of Concern in Washington, D.C., discussed options in international politics. William Ryan’s speech was titled “Toward a New International and Political Order” John McRaith’s speech was titled “People, Justice, Land (Suggestions for Rural America)”
August 21, 1976 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles the Minneapolis Police Department. Olson reports on a 1976 League of Women Voters “Police Community Report,” which highlights issues in the politics of appointments, law enforcement budgets, training, communications, community relations, administravitive rules & planning, discriminatory actions, and stability in leadership.
August 23, 1976 - Rachel Kranz report on the controversy with the attempt by Northern States Power to raise its electric rates and the attempts by citizen groups to oppose the rate hike. Kranz examines how rates are set, how the company justifies its request for a rate increase, and why critics of NSP feel the publicly monitored utilities request should be denied.
August 27, 1976 - The conference, held in Crookston, analyzed issues facing rural areas and how residents can respond to them.
August 31, 1976 - Midday presents a special report on the drought in the southwestern Minnesota. Report provides speeches, interviews, and commentary from climatologists, scientists, government officials, and residents as they respond to the crisis. Topics include climate change and cloud seeding.
September 1, 1976 - Independent presidential hopeful Eugene McCarthy speaking at National Press Club. Topic of address is presidential race, the debates, and two-party system.
September 14, 1976 - Author and physicist Lord C.P. Snow; Dr. John Catalon of University of Southern California; Professor Barbara Meithof; James Rosenau; and John Marberger of University of Southern California, discuss the subject of scientific creativity.
September 18, 1976 - On this regional public affairs program, a panel discussion on local government debt. While governments issue bonds to pay for major buildings and other improvements, the Minnesota Taxpayers Association released a report in August warning that the amount of debt per capita is too high, especially in St. Paul.