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.
January 15, 1979 - Alex Haley discusses his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'Roots: The Saga Of An American Family' at a luncheon. He wrote most of the novel in a Club office. National Press Club
January 16, 1979 - Interview with painter Steve Sorman, of Minneapolis. Sorman was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships.
January 17, 1979 - Interview with sculptor Leif Brush, of Duluth. Brush was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships. Includes sound segments.
January 17, 1979 - Interview with Eric Stokes, composer and professor of music. Stokes was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships.
January 18, 1979 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Rod Searle, I-R representative and newly appointed Speaker of the State House, who talks about himself and what he expects from this session of the House. PLEASE NOTE – audio is impaired
January 18, 1979 - Excerpt of Dr. V. Elving Anderson, director of the Dwight Institute at the University of Minnesota, speaking on the topic of genetic engineering and human values.
January 19, 1979 - Interview with author Jon Hassler, of Brainerd. Hassler was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships. Includes reading segments.
January 23, 1979 - Governor Al Quie's budget announcement to house and senate and reaction.
January 24, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents Playwright’s Laboratory, which showcases playwright Mark Frost’s “Between Flights,” a drama written especially for radio, with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab. Following radio play, Bob Gerrard, executive editor of Mankato Free Press; and listeners, share impressions and ask questions of playwright.
January 25, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Isabel Wolf, University of Minnesota extension nutrition specialist, who comments on current nutrition news and answers listener questions on a variety of issues related to food, nutrition, and health.