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 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 12, 1979 - Piece for Black History Month on Frederick Douglas
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 on March 29, 1978.Originally aired on WSCD's The Saturday Show.
February 15, 1979 - Poets Joe and Nancy Paddock share their impressions on the sale of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Taunton Minnesota. Also speaking are Vicki Sturgeon and other 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.
February 27, 1979 - Ossie Davis on Black oral cultural traditions. Black actor and screenwriter Ossie Davis uses personal examples to explain the importance of the oral tradition in Black culture. From a lecture given at the Science Auditorium on the campus of the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth on March 29, 1978. Originally aired on WSCD's The Saturday Show.This tape runs higher in pitch than the original. One of three cuts: Br'er Rabbit (12:08), Early Literature (12:08), and Black Ministers (15:57). This copy suffers from tape damage in Br'er Rabbit at around 11:00.
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.