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 3, 1977 - John Trudell testimony from recent hearings held by the Minnesota Citizens' Review Commission on the FBI. The commission, a coalition of some 20 Minnesota organizations put together an independent hearing panel including DFL chairpersons Rick Scott and Ruth Caine. Union leaders, representatives of church and community groups as well as private citizens also participated. The panel took testimony on alleged FBI abuses in the area supervised by the Minneapolis office - Minnesota and the Dakotas. Much of the testimony centered around alleged FBI violations on South Dakota Indian reservations. One whole day was devoted to testimony concerning the Pine Ridge shootout in June 1975. The shootings resulted in the deaths of two FBI agents and one Indian, Joe Stuntz. No one has yet been charged with Stuntz's death. Two Indians, Dino Butler and Robert Robideau, were charged with the murder of the FBI agents, but they were acquitted last fall. One other man charged was never indicted for lack of evidence, and another, Leonard Peltier, will go on trial in Fargo, North Dakota this month.
March 4, 1977 - Midday presents segments of a sound portrait on Strasburg, North Dakota, a town rich in old-world heritage. It examines the town through music and discussion by the people of Strasburg.
March 5, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, John Boland, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, presents a "State of the Region" address on the occasion of the council's 10th anniversary.
March 5, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Marilyn Chou, a policy analyst from the Hudson Institute in New York, speaks at the Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Chou shares her impressions of agriculture within the People's Republic of China.
March 7, 1977 - Highlights of congressional hearings by the House commerce subcommittee on communications, on sex and violence on television, and considering the networks' commitment to broadcast fewer programs which may be harmful for children. Testimony is heard from Dr. George Gerbner, Dean, Annenberg School of Communications, University of Pennsylvania, who has just completed a survey of violence on network television; as well as Richard Wiley, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and representatives from all three major networks.
March 12, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s George Fisher presents work of some young radio producers and performers, with highlights from KSJN's Young People's Radio Festival entrants.
March 12, 1977 - The Minnesota legislature is considering measures to help streamline criminal justice in Minnesota. William McCutcheon, a Minnesota state senator and police officer, talked about what he thinks the legislature can do during a speech at Saint Paul Citizens League breakfast meeting.
March 18, 1977 - Midday presents segments of a sound portrait on Dunn Center, Mayville, a North Dakota prairie town rich in culture and heritage.
March 24, 1977 - At recent Conference on Intermediate Technology, sponsored by the Future Department of the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Humanities Commission, British economist Dr. E.F. Schumacher gave a speech titled “Economics for a Changing World.”
March 25, 1977 - Dr. E.F. Schumacher, British economist, speaking at recent Conference on Intermediate Technology sponsored by the Science Museum of Minnesota. This was Schumacher’s second lecture, titled “Intermediate Technology: Its Importance for the United States.”