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 27, 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. Davis uses personal examples to explain the importance of the oral tradition in Black culture.
February 28, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Willis Anthony, University of Minnesota agricultural economist, who discusses farming, its future, problems and solutions. MPR’s John Ydstie talks about planting. Program also includes report from MPR’s Jennifer O'Neil on set-aside program.
March 1, 1979 - On this Midday, a broadcast of co-founder Black Panther and political activist Bobby Seale speaking at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. Seale describes what should be done to improve the lives of poor, Black, and other minorities in the United States.
March 2, 1979 - MPR’s Tom Meersman interviews Barbara Boyle, food and nutrition advocate for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council; and Mary Kennedy, food stamp outreach director for Minnesota's Department of Public Welfare, discuss changes in the food stamp program and the effects on Minnesotans. Allegations of widespread fraud within the program have had administrators and investigators studying both the systems and alternatives to it. Major changes were enacted through the Food Stamp Act of 1977.
March 2, 1979 - The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to pass an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced federal budget. MPR’s Capitol reporter Bob Potter reports on subcommittee hearings on the amendment. Kenneth MacDonald, state representative who authored the bill; and Walter Heller, economist and opponent of the amendment, share their differing views. Supporters claim federal deficits are responsible for inflation and other economic problems. Opponents argue that a rigid requirement of a balanced budget would cripple the federal government's ability to cope with economic recessions or depressions.
March 3, 1979 - On this special Spectrum/Home for the Weekend broadcast, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Minnesota U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz. Reporters and listeners throughout the state ask Boshcwitz questions. Topics include conservative trends, SALT treaty, D.C. voting amendment, and federal deficit.
March 4, 1979 - Theodore Sorenson, former aide to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, gives a speech, titled “Vietnam and the American Presidency.” Sorenson’s address is followed by a question and answer session.
March 5, 1979 - Highlights from 10-day The Vietnam Experience and America Today Symposium, held at Macalester College in St. Paul. Program includes anti-war activist Daniel Berrigan; and Theodore Sorensen, former special counsel to president John Kennedy.
March 6, 1979 - A panel discussion with journalists, as part of 10-day The Vietnam Experience and America Symposium, held at the Macalester College.
March 6, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents highlights from The Vietnam Experience and America Today Symposium, held at Macalester College. Segment includes speakers at conference exploring the impact of Vietnam on the arts and Fushan interviewing three war fiction authors, including Minnesota writer Tim O’Brien.