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.
July 9, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, historian Gretchen Kreuter speaks at University of Minnesota's Women's Day on Campus, sponsored by Continuing Education for Women.
July 11, 1977 - MPR’s John Ydstie presents sound portrait of a migrant family working the sugar beet fields of the Red River Valley.
July 11, 1977 - This Midday program features author Alex Haley speaking before the 115th Annual National Education Association convention, held in Minneapolis. Following speech, Haley takes part in a conversation and Q&A on race.
July 13, 1977 - MPR’s Neal St. Anthony presents a report and taped excerpts from yesterday's Senate hearings on the controversial drug, Laetrile.
July 15, 1977 - Gloria Steinem, women's right advocate and editor of the feminist publication Ms. magazine addresses the annual convention of the American Association of the University Women in Minneapolis.
July 16, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Bev Blindy of the Southside Nursery School; Deb Anderson of the Hennepin County Sex Abuse Team; and Ann Elwood, who works with parents, discuss the subject of parenting, child abuse and the family.
July 18, 1977 - St. Paul attorney Wayne Olson and Bill Blazar, Citizens League staff member, discuss a new report by the Citizens League on the Twin Cities economy, titled "Helping the Metropolitan Economy Change." It explores how the economy has developed over the years and suggests some changes needed to insure continued economic well-being. Olson chaired the citizens' committee that wrote the report. Olson and Blazar also answer listener questions.
July 19, 1977 - In the first part of this program, photojournalist Alfred Eisenstadt reminisces about his fifty-year career and talks about his love for photography. In the second part, Second City Improvisational Group performs its impressions of a literature class.
July 22, 1977 - Dr. Hans Guth, English professor at San Jose State University, speaking at University of Minnesota conference on composition for English teachers. Guth addressed teachers on how to stimulate students through a positive approach to writing. He questioned “back-to-basics", arguing that the teaching of writing involved more than repetitious study of grammar, and discussed progress made in developing effective methods for teaching writing.
July 23, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Alpha Smaby of the Minnesota Populists Alliance, discusses property tax reform, energy problems, the BCWA, and farming issues.