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.
April 22, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, guests John Moe, general manager of the Employee Assistance Program with Control Data Corporation; and Professor Jack Flagler, director of Labor Education at the University of Minnesota and arbitrator for several state and federal mediation services, discuss the subject of employment and alcoholism treatment.
May 1, 1978 - Special live program featuring state Senators Jack Davies (DFL, Minneapolis) and Robert Benedict (DFL, Bloomington) discussing the proposed legislation for initiative/referendum process in Minnesota. Davies and Benedict also answer listener questions.
May 2, 1978 - MPR’s Bill Siemering profiles Minnesota poet Robert Bly. Program includes Bly reading from his book This Body is Made of Camphor and Gopherwood at Augsburg College, followed by an interview with Siemering.
May 3, 1978 - University of North Dakota in Grand Forks hosted the 9th annual Writers Conference in March 1978. MPR’s Arts and Cultural Affairs reporter Nancy Fushan attended the conference and presents this, the first of three programs, with an overview on the theme of conference “Literature as Lamp and Mirror.”
May 3, 1978 - This Midday program deals with the shape of literature in our society with emphasis on writers in the Midwest. Presented is a portion of keynote speech at Midwest Writers Festival and Book Fair in the Twin Cities by Lucien Stryk, English professor at Northern Illinois University.
May 6, 1978 - John Brantner, psychology professor at University of Minnesota, speaking at 8th annual Health Alert Conference held at University of Minnesota, and sponsored by the University Hospitals Volunteers Association. Brantner discusses his confusion over what is proper nutrition.
May 6, 1978 - Theodore Labuza, university professor of Food Science and Technology, speaking at 8th annual Health Alert Conference held at University of Minnesota, and sponsored by the University Hospitals Volunteers Association. Labuzza offers his views on why people are confused about nutrition.
May 8, 1978 - Mini-Conference on art held at the University of Minnesota with guests Philip Guston, artist; Marcia Tucker, curator and director of the New Museum of New York; and Harold Rosenberg, art critic for the New Yorker. Conference was titled “The Big Question: Art/Not Art?” Philip Guston is considered one of the pioneers of post-World War II American painting. He worked on a number of projects for the WPA, has exhibited internationally, and has taught at Boston, Brandeis, and Columbia Universities. His works have been represented in collections at the Guggenheim, Whitney, Metropolitan and Modern Museums of Art in New York, as well as the Tate Gallery of London. Marcia Tucker, curator and director of the New Museum in New York. She has assembled exhibits for artists including Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell and Al Held. Many of the New Museum shows have been the focus of controversy both in content and style of the art displayed. For example, Tucker's exhibit called "Bad Painting" included canvases depicting subject matter not generally seen in more traditional galleries. Noted critic and social philosopher Harold Rosenberg, has been resident art critic for the New Yorker magazine since 1967. The 72-year-old Rosenberg has authored a number of books on art criticism, including "The Tradition of the New".
May 8, 1978 - Harold Rosenberg, art critic for the New Yorker and social philosopher, speaking at the “The Big Question: Art/Not Art?” mini-conference, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Studio Arts Department. In speech, Rosenberg presents his definition of art.
May 13, 1978 - Highlights of consumer activist Ralph Nader speaking at St. John's University. Nader addresses technology, limited perspective, corporate tax loopholes, and power of executives.