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 20, 1978 - On this Mixed Media program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan profiles poets Robert Creeley & Diane Wakowski, and filmaker Alfred Guzetti. Creeley
March 23, 1978 - On this Midday program, a panel discussion, held at the Walker Art Center, of the Minnesota Opera Company production of “Claudia Legare.” Panelists include librettist Bernard Stambler; composer Robert Ward; Paul Hume, Washington Post music critic; Roy Close, Minneapolis Star music critic; and J. Wesley Balk, Minnesota Opera Company stage director. The group talk on how to get the most out of an opera.
March 25, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, reports by Tom Meersman and Dale Connelly on Dutch elm disease, followed by discussion with Dave DeVoto, Minneapolis city forester; and Judy Barr, coordinator for the Saint Paul Shade Tree program. Topics include controversial 1977 elm wood stockpile, plans for 1978 tree removal, and preventive measures of beetle infestation.
April 1, 1978 - Minnesota Public Radio Capitol reporters Bob Potter and Jan Falstad produced this summary of the highlights of the 1978 Minnesota Legislature session. The 1978 legislative session was marked by its relative brevity, a greater-than-expected level of spending, and the intense fight over the abortion funding and family planning bills. There was also a host of minor bills to occupy legislators' time and attention.
April 1, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a profile of the new Minnesota Zoological Garden in Apple Valley - what's there, how to get there, who's paying for it, and what's going to happen to Como Park Zoo? MPR’s Neal St. Anthony and Rich Dietman break down the various sections and zoo life on grounds.
April 4, 1978 - #1: Dr. B. Hooks, 33:38, 7 1/2ips. #2 Dr. Martin L. King Jr, 28:02, 3 3/4" (no casettes for Cut 2 only) on Midday noon show. Cut 1: Dr. Benjamin Hooks, NAACP Dir. speakng at Gustavus Adolphus COllege in St. Peter as part of the Campus black student's organization tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cut 2: Dr. Martin Luther King discusses "The Relative Merits of Violent and Non-Violent Approaches to Racial Problems". From a series of speeches prepared for the CBC. Date recorded 780331. See attached note for more information.
April 7, 1978 - Dr. Bernice Neugarten, professor of human development at the University of Chicago discusses middle age and new challenges facing Americans at mid-life.
April 15, 1978 - William Rogers, chairman of the Minneapolis Committee on Urban Environment, speaking at The Livable Winter City Conference. Rogers joined planners, architects and others from cold weather climates gathered at the Spring Hill Center in Wayzata to discuss "The Livable Winter City", with focus on how the Twin Cities can be made more liveable in winter.
April 15, 1978 - Frederick Gutheim, a Washington-based planner, who heads the graduate program in historic preservation at George Washington University, speaking at The Livable Winter City Conference. Gutheim joined planners, architects and others from cold weather climates gathered at the Spring Hill Center in Wayzata to discuss "The Livable Winter City", with focus on how the Twin Cities can be made more liveable in winter.
April 17, 1978 - A look at the planting intentions of farmers and what it means to everyone else, including consumers. University of Minnesota agricultural economist Will Anthony; Bruce Hornbacher of Hornbacher's supermarkets, and Bud Wand, Director of Agricultural Planning and Affairs for the Green Giant Company in Le Sueur discuss the topic.