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.
November 4, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, a summary of office races in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. Program includes report and various interviews of candidates of county attorney and sheriff office.
November 7, 1978 - Highlights from American Lutheran Church Convention held recently in Moorhead. Program includes conversations with Dr. Paul Wee, General Secretary for Lutheran World Ministries; Bishop Josiah Kibira of Tanzania, president of the Lutheran World Federation; and Dr. Keith Bridston about conflict in Rhodesia, South Africa and Namibia. At convention, church delegates considered whether the church should divest itself of holdings it has in companies which do business in South Africa. Program begins with a report on current situation in Africa.
November 8, 1978 - Rudy Boschwitz speaking at press conference following his election to the U.S. Senate. Program begins with brief report from MPR’s Bob Potter on other election results.
November 8, 1978 - Al Quie press conference as newly elected governor. Former governor Elmer L. Andersen and Minnesota labor historian Hy Berman talk about aftermath of the state election and what happened.
November 11, 1978 - Dr. Lois Phillips Hudson, author and English professor at University of Washington, Tacoma, describes how rape and fear of being raped work to drain women of energy and assurance they might use to be creative.
November 15, 1978 - MPR’s Kim Hodgson visited poet Bill Holm in Minneota, Minnesota, and talked with Holm about his small town and the people who live there.
November 21, 1978 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews William Johnson, political science professor at Bethel College; and Lloyd Brandt, public affairs office of the First Banks System. Johnson and Brandt discuss the state-local fiscal relationship and tax limitation proposals, based on a Citizens League report on the fiscal and tax situation in Minnesota.
November 22, 1978 - Mike Murphy, Upper Midwest Council, and John Millhone, Minnesota Energy Agency, discuss energy and its problems in the state, including rising costs. Murphy and Millhone also answer listener questions.
November 28, 1978 - Boston Municipal Judge Margaret Ann Burnham speaking at Women in Law Conference at Boston University.
December 5, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents a report on Minnesota Historical Society’s exhibit, called "The Wish Book." The exhibit explores the role of the mail order catalog in American life at the turn-of-the-century.