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 27, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Senator David Durenberger, who discusses adjusting to his new role as U.S. senator. Topics include the filibuster, energy, transportation, BWCA, and federal budget. Durenberger also answers questions from various MPR reporters, reporters in other news media, and from listeners in a statewide call-in program.
January 29, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews William Bolcom and Joan Morris, musicians and members of the Guthrie Theater production of John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera." The ballad opera is a satirical glimpse at 18th century England.
January 29, 1979 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports live from the state capital on the Minnesota Senate Tax Committee, which is hearing witnesses on the proposed repeal of the metropolitan area liquor tax as it relates to the proposed downtown Minneapolis domed stadium. Witnesses include stadium opponent Senator Robert Ashbach, principal stadium supporter Senator Steve Keefe, among others.
January 30, 1979 - Irv Anderson and Nick Coleman speak in response to Al Quie's budget proposal last week.
January 31, 1979 - Paul Rosenblatt, professor of family and social science at the University of Minnesota discusses his studies of 19th century American diaries, including diaries from immigrants.
February 3, 1979 - A Saturday Public Affairs program about teenage pregnancy in the United States, and a Minneapolis medical clinic that specializes in teenage health problems directed by Dr. Betty Jerome.
February 5, 1979 - Jill Shapiro, of the Feminist Radio Network, interviews Odetta, a black singer well-known for her interpretations of folk songs. Odetta discusses her work and provides examples of her artistry.
February 6, 1979 - MPR's John Ydstie interviews Charles Lutz, the director of the World Hunger Program for the American Luther Church. Lutz speaks on the irony of hunger in a time of world food surpluses.
February 6, 1979 - Report on the abandonment of a hundred-mile branch line railroad track in southeastern Minnesota and how that abandonment would affect the communities, residents and businesses along its route. Minnesota has about 7,000 miles of rail lines - that figure was 8,000 miles just over ten years ago. Since then, rail line abandonment has increased, and the pace of abandonment is picking up. Railroads operating in the state have requests before the Interstate Commerce Commission that 400 miles of track be scuttled. Minnesota officials say another 300 miles of line may become moribund in the next three years. One of the requests before the ICC is that a 100-mile branch line in Southeastern Minnesota be abandoned. The track follows the root river from La Crescent on the Mississippi River to Ramsey just north of Austin in Mower County. The rail serves 12 communities and about 50 businesses. But Milwaukee Road officials say the line is a loser because there isn't enough traffic. MPR's John Gaddo of KLSE in Rochester visited some of the businesses along the track and prepared this report.
February 7, 1979 - Report and coverage of Minnesota senate debate over a rebate plan for Minnesotans. The bill was introduced by Senator Bill McCutcheon.