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.
October 24, 1978 - Gubernatorial debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters with the cooperation of Common Cause of Minnesota, held at the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center on the Macalester campus. First of three debates being held. This one features the DFL incumbent Governor Rudy Perpich, I-R nominee Al Quie, and American Party candidate Richard Peterson. Panelists are Dana Schroeder, co-publisher of the Grant County Herald; Arv Johnson, WCCO Radio government correspondent; and Ted Kolderie, executive director of the Citizens League, a non-partisan public affairs research organization in the Twin Cities. The moderator is Helene Borg, president of the League of Women Voters.
October 26, 1978 - Isabel Wolf, University of Minnesota nutrition specialist, discusses what is and isn't good nutrition. Wolf also answers listener questions.
October 27, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews Sally Dixon, acting executive director of Film in the Cities; and Sally Fischer, general manager of University Community Video.
October 28, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, 4th district candidates Bruce Vento (DFL) and John Berg (I-R), discuss and debate the issues.
October 30, 1978 - League of Women Voters Senate debate, held at Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center at Macalester College in St. Paul, and sponsored by the League of Women Voters with the cooperation of Common Cause of Minnesota. Participants were Paul Helm, American Party candidate; Dave Durenberger, I-R candidate; and Bob Short, DFL candidate. Topics included taxes, BWCA, social issues, women’s rights, international affairs, and guns. Debate was moderated by Jerry Franck, president of the Minnesota chapter of Common Cause. Questions were asked by a group of three panelists representing print journalism, broadcast journalism and the public. Panelists included Gary Dawson, staff writer for the St. Paul Dispatch and Pioneer Press; Jane Belau, public affairs interviewer for channel 13 cable television in Rochester; and Barbara Stuhler, associate dean of Continuing Education and Extension at the University of Minnesota.
October 31, 1978 - Major congressional candidates from the First and Third Districts debate and respond to questions from listeners. First District candidates: Arlen Erdahl (IR) and Gerry Sikorski (DFL). Third District candidates: Bill Frenzel (IR) and Michael Freeman (DFL).
October 31, 1978 - 6th and 7th District Congressional candidates discuss their campaigns and answer listener questions. 6th District candidates include Rick Nolan (DFL incumbent) and Russ Bjorhus (IR). 7th District candidates include Arlan Stangeland (IR incumbent), Gene Wenstrom (DFL), and Ronald Holmquist (American Party).
November 1, 1978 - Senate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters with the cooperation of Common Cause of Minnesota, held at the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center on the Macalester campus. Features DFL, I-R and American Party candidates for the six-year Senate seat. DFL incumbent Wendell Anderson arranged his appointment to the rest of Walter Mondale's Senate term when Mondale was elected vice president. Ever since, Anderson has fared poorly in several public opinion surveys. His I-R challenger, Rudy Boschwitz, held a 20-point lead over Anderson in the early days of the campaign; but in the latest Minnesota Poll, that lead has been cut to just 3 percent. Boschwitz has mounted an aggressive, expensive campaign in his effort to defeat Anderson. The American Party candidate, Sal Carlone, is a private investigator and general contractor who has never before sought public office. Tonight's panelists are Steve Dornfeld, staff writer for the Minneapolis Tribune; Karen Boros, WCCO Television reporter; and Ann Darby, deputy director of community outreach programs for the Minneapolis Urban League. The moderator is Helene Borg, president of the League of Women Voters.
November 4, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Bob Potter provides a summary of state legislative races in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Program includes report and various interviews of candidates.
November 4, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Terri Keefe provides a summary of state legislative and county office races in the Rochester and Winona areas. Program includes report and various interviews with candidates.