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.
June 11, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of panel discussion entitled "Equal Opportunities and the Quality of Life in the Metropolitan Conglomerate."
June 18, 1977 - John Lavine, Wisconsin newspaper publisher and University of Wisconsin regent, gives speech titled "Why Johnny Can't Read and What You Should Do About It" at the annual dinner of the Minneapolis Concerned Citizens for Public Education.
June 18, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of Twin Cities author Judith Guest speaking at Women as Writers symposium.
June 23, 1977 - University of North Dakota medical professor Theodore Reiff at the annual Governor's Citizens Council on Aging Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter. Reiff spoke on how to prolong life. He began his remarks with a technical description of four theories of why we age. Later in his speech he focuses on what our culture has not done to prolong life.
June 25, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Mark Korell of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Saint Paul developer Ron Soderberg discuss money for housing and tips on renovation, and answer listener calls.
June 25, 1977 - MPR’s Bob Potter presents “The Role of the Courts in a Changing Society: Fritz vs. Warthan,” a documentary that examines landlord/tenant law in Minnesota and the court case Fritz vs. Wathan.
June 28, 1977 - John Millhone, Minnesota State Energy Director, discusses the major energy and conservation bill passed at the end of the legislative session. Millhone also answers listeners questions.
July 8, 1977 - KRSW reporter Vickie Sturgeon profiles the recent Minnesota Women's Meeting in St. Cloud, with a special emphasis on portions of the conference that addressed problems of rural women.
July 8, 1977 - Doctor Jerome Bach, family psychiatrist and medical director of the Bach Institute in Minneapolis, describes his research findings on how the birth position one holds in the family affects a person.
July 9, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, St. Paul writer Christina Baldwin discusses her book “One to One: Self Understanding Through Journal Writing.”