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.
August 17, 1978 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Dr. Michael Eisenberg, head of gastro-intestinal surgery at the University of Minnesota hospitals in Minneapolis. Eisenberg discusses definition of ulcers, causes, and their impact on those inflicted by them.
August 19, 1978 - This discussion and call-in program features a discussion on juvenile prostitution. Guests are Veral Cashman of the University of Minnesota Center for Youth Development and Research; Jerry Pettit of the Juvenile Division of the Minneapolis Police Department; and Dave Nelson, associate director of Enablers, Inc. and a project director for their study on juvenile prostitution in Minnesota.
August 21, 1978 - Dr. Virgil Richard Zarling, of St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis, discusses the causes and diagnoses of muscular dystrophy with reporter Dan Olson.
August 24, 1978 - Author James Michener speaks before the National Press Club, discussing the state of the novel and talks extensively about many contemporary American writers.
August 25, 1978 - MPR's Pat Kessler interviews Father Urban Wagner, vice chancellor and Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, who discusses the selection of a new Pope.
August 26, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a segment of guitarist Sharon Isbin providing a demonstration on playing the instrument. Isbin shares some views on performance.
August 26, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a segment of guitarist Sharon Isbin giving lecture on guitar playing and performance. Topics include confidence, technique, and music memory.
August 28, 1978 - MPR’s Don Manildi interviews Charles Rosen, visiting Minnesota Orchestra pianist, who discusses his work as an artist. Rosen performs Beethoven prior to interview.
August 28, 1978 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Geraldine Gage, family counselor and expert trial witness, who discusses how much homemakers are worth.
August 29, 1978 - MPR’s Gary Eichten looks at the statewide average price for 10 items in a grocery survey. The results show costs were impacted by where one lives.