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 14, 1978 - Dr. Robert Good, President of Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute, talks with MPR medical reporter Rich Dietman about cancer research. Good begins by describing recent advances in the treatment of cancer. He also speaks of antigens, compounds that cause the production of antibody; a substance which the body uses to fight and destroy matter it judges to be foreign and a threat.
July 14, 1978 - Glenn Maxham tells the story of Silver Islet and of long-lost silver along the shores of Lake Superior. Miners were known to “high-grade” on the small island in the late 1800s, tying chucks of silver ore onto logs and floating them out onto Lake Superior in hopes of retrieving them later.
July 15, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a panel discussion of a recent Citizens League report on community participation in decision-making in the twin cities.
July 17, 1978 - American Indians and their supporters have ended a 3,000 mile walk to Washington, DC. Today they begin lobbying activities in Congress in protest to 11 bills before Congress that some American Indians say would take away Indian land, water, minerals and sovereignty.
July 19, 1978 - Isabel Wolf, nutritionist from University of Minnesota, discusses public attitudes about nutrition with Dan Olson. Wolf also answers listener questions.
July 21, 1978 - John Paulus, Senior Vice President for Economics, Federal Reserve Bank, talks with Bob Potter on the economy of the United States. Includes topics of GNP and inflation.
July 22, 1978 -
July 24, 1978 - Hennepin County Juvenile Judge Lindsay Arthur discusses causes and prevention of juvenile delinquency, new laws, and need for a separate juvenile security facility in Minnesota.
July 27, 1978 - Nutritionist Dr. Rudy Ballentine discusses nutrition and its relationship to meditation. Topic includes comparison on west and east approaches. Ballentine also answers listener calls.
July 29, 1978 - On this Saturday Public Affairs program, a broadcast of poet John Beecher delivering a commencement address at Worthington Community College. Program also includes Kim Hodgson interviewing Beecher.