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.
March 1, 1979 - Former Black Panther and political activist Bobby Seale speaking at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. Black activist and co-founder of the Black Panther Party Bobby Seale speaks at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse, describing what should be done to improve the lives of poor, black, and other minorities in the United States. He organized and is the director of Advocates Scene, a group that works to represent the 60 million poor, black and minority people in the U.S.
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 - Sorenson's address to the Macalester Vietnam symposium followed by a question and answer session. Topic is Vietnam's effect on the presidency. Hosted by John Ydstie.Theodore Sorenson, former aide to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, speaks on the effect of Vietnam on the Presidency. Sorenson's speech is part of a week-long symposium at Macalester College in St. Paul on "The Vietnam Experience and America Today."
March 5, 1979 - Highlights from a 10-day symposium on "The Vietnam Experience and America today" held at Macalester College in St. Paul, with talks by anti-war activist Daniel Berrigan and Theodore Sorensen, former special counsel to president John Kennedy. Also comments from Eugene McCarthy, Gloria Emerson, and Minnesotans involved with the anti-war movement.
March 6, 1979 - Panel discussion was part of the 10 day conference held at Macalester College under the heading "The Vietnam Experience and America Today". Panel members include Peter Braestrup, correspondent for The New York Times and The Washington Post and founding editor of the Wilson Quarterly; Peter Arnett, Pulitzer prize winning journalist for the Associated Press; Dave Moore, Twin Cities anchorman for WCCO; Ronald Ross, editorial writer and former Asian correspondent for the Minneapolis Tribune. Charles Bailey, editor of the Minneapolis Tribune was panel moderator.
March 6, 1979 - Highlights from Macalester College symposium, "The Vietnam Experience and America Today" exploring the impact of Vietnam on the arts. Reporter Nancy Fushan has prepared the summary of discussions.; Hmong
March 7, 1979 - Vietnam symposium held at Macalester college. This segment deals with veterans.American veterans of the war and officials of the Veterans Administration discuss their conditions., the actions and attitudes of the VA in regard to Vietnam veterans, and medical and psychiatric problems of veterans.
March 8, 1979 - Dr. Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. speech. Part of Vietnam Symposium.