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.
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.
February 8, 1979 - Minnesota legislature passes John Chenoweth bill to repeal 2% liquor tax. Bob Potter produces this story for KSJN.
February 10, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews members of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and their director William Jones. They share their experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of a London School’s Promenade concert series sponsored by the London Times and the BBC.
February 14, 1979 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland speaking before a Farm Forum in Minneapolis. Bergland commented on the domestic farm situation. Speech was followed by a question and answer with audience members.
February 14, 1979 - Ossie Davis, actor and author, talks about Black oral tradition at the Science Auditorium on the campus of the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth. Event was held on March 29, 1978.
February 15, 1979 - Poets Joe and Nancy Paddock share their impressions on the sale of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located in Taunton Minnesota. Segment also includes comments from Vickie Sturgeon and church members.
February 16, 1979 - MPR reporter Dan Olson speaks with with Gregory Reed of the Afro-American Cultural Arts Center in Minneapolis about the history of Black people in Minnesota.
February 20, 1979 - Governor Al Quie answers call-in questions with reporters Bob Potter and Pat Kessler.