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.
January 24, 1978 - A message to the Reconvened 70th Session of the Minnesota Legislature and the Citizens of Minnesota. Governor Rudy Perpich addresses a joint convention of the Minnesota State Legislature on the state of the state, followed by legislative reaction.
January 26, 1978 - A live broadcast of the Minnesota Legislature debating the special election bill.
January 28, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a broadcast of Minneapolis Mayor Albert Hofstede’s State of the City address, followed by interview with mayor in the studio. Hofstede also answers listener questions.
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 - Writer and playwright Garson Kanin gives 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.
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 - On this MPR Special, a broadcast of "The Best is Yet to Be" panel discussion from The Zestful Generation: Exploding the Myths of Age, a two-day conference on aging held at the Dayton's Department Store Auditorium in Minneapolis. Introduction by WCCO TV's Bill Carlson.
February 3, 1978 - Writer and playwright Garson Kanin gives 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. 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.