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 17, 1979 - John Boland, former chairman and executive director of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, speaking on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. Boland also discusses issues still before the body.
March 17, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, Midday presents an examination of causes, agents, and consequences of Irish immigration to America and Minnesota in history, interview, and song.
March 19, 1979 - Psychologist, author, and theologian Dr. Rollo May offers his insights into the nature of freedom, the relationship between love and freedom, and related questions in a speech at Mankato State University.
March 21, 1979 - This Poets-In-Residence Series segment profiles The Plains Bookbus, which carries the titles of books printed by small presses to many communities in our region. The book bus driver and some of its patrons talk about the books and their life on the plains.
March 22, 1979 - Ed Bradley, a CBS News correspondent, speaking at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Bradley discusses "Media and Politics", and the role of journalists and the protections guaranteed them by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He illustrates both the privilege and problems provided by Freedom of the Press.
March 24, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, a MPR’s Rich Dietman presents report looking at released study of the Carnegie Commission on the future of public broadcasting, titled “Carnegie II.”
March 26, 1979 - Bill Merritt, of the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and Jerry Fruin, professor and agricultural economist from the University of Minnesota, discuss the maintaining of roads in Minnesota. Topics include deterioration, salting, materials, interstate system, and rail transport. Merritt and Fruin also answer listener questions.
March 28, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Gordon Everest, computer expert and professor of business management at the University of Minnesota, who shares his concern that most Americans do not understand what is at stake when we talk about the use of computers and the protection of our privacy and property.
March 28, 1979 - A news feature presenting review on John J. Koblas' book, A Guide to F Scott Fitzgerald's St Paul: A Traveler's Companion to His Homes & Haunts.
March 28, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents Playwright’s Laboratory, which showcases playwright Nancy Beckett’s Clothes Conscious, a drama written especially for radio, with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab.