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.
February 1, 1978 - Minnesota Public Radio music announcer Bill Parker moderates a panel discussion and listener call-in on Gertrude Stein and Virgil Thomson's “The Mother of Us All”, preceding the opening night of the Minnesota Opera production.
February 2, 1978 - Opening remarks to "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis given by author Garson Kanin. His most recent book was titled "It Takes a Long Time to Become Young: An Entertainment in the Form of a Declaration of War on the Mindless Youth Cult That Has Our Time in Its Grip."
February 3, 1978 - New York columnist Jimmy Breslin speaks about "Colorful People from the Past" at "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis. Introduction by WCCO TV's Dave Moore.
February 3, 1978 - Special: "The Best is Yet to Be" - "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis with Studs Terkel, moderator for the final panel discussion. Panelists include Hoyt Catlin, founder of The Fertile Company in Norwalk, Connecticut; veterinarian William Andberg, "The Grey Ghost" from Anoka; and Sterling Robson, onetime professional whistler and wrestler who tends bar at Jennings' Red Coach Inn in Saint Louis Park. Introduction by WCCO TV's Bill Carlson.
February 3, 1978 - Closing remarks to "The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age" two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis given by author Garson Kanin. His most recent book was titled "It Takes a Long Time to Become Young: An Entertainment in the Form of a Declaration of War on the Mindless Youth Cult That Has Our Time in Its Grip." Introduction by WCCO Radio's Charlie Boone.
February 4, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, Dr. Linda Budd, professor at the University of Minnesota Department of Family Social Science, discusses child-free marriages and lifestyles. Topics include sterilization, adoptions, counseling, and "empty nest" families.
February 11, 1978 - This regional public affairs program, titled "Who is Conserving Neighborhoods: Residents or Investors?", presents a session held at Macalester College that examined conservation/rehabilitation in several St. Paul neighborhoods.
February 15, 1978 - Selected readings demonstrate the broad historical and contemporary range of black literature and authors, in honor of Black History Month. Includes work featured by authors Dorothy West, Frank Yerby, Langston Hughes, Chester Himes and Ted Poston.
February 16, 1978 - Highlights from conference on consumers and utilities sponsored by Northern States Power Company. Power production, rate design and environmental costs were discussed by NSP staff members and consumer critics. First panel is argument over rate reform between Keith Sorenson, manager of rate planning for NSP; and State Senator William Luther of Brooklyn Center. The second panel features local attorney Charles Dayton discussing environmental costs of power production with Tony Benkisky, General Manager of NSP's environmental and governmental activities department. The moderator is Judith Healey, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Federations.
February 17, 1978 - Proponents and opponents of the controversial high-voltage power line under construction in western and central Minnesota debate the health and safety issues, the economic impact, and other issues. The forum debate was held in the Great Hall. Participants included power line pro¬testers Gloria Woida and John Tripp, Don Jacobsen of the United Power Asso-ciation, environmental expert Dan McConnon, and students Gaylen Schaubroeck and Catherine McGinnis.