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 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 - 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. Following radio play, Barbara Field, of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis; Bob Collins, drama critic for the Minnesota Daily Arts and Entertainment section; and listeners, share impressions and ask questions of playwright.
March 31, 1979 - Nationally syndicated Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman speaks at the 86th Minnesota Association of Social Services Conference in Minneapolis.
March 31, 1979 - Dr. Max Fine, director of the National Institute Committee for National Health Insurance, speaking at a health care costs symposium in Ames, Iowa. Fine’s topic is "The Health Problems of the Elderly."
April 2, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage presenting introduction of bill prior to Minnesota House debate and vote on bill S.F. 20, which would repeal the 2% sports stadium commission liquor tax on on-sale liquor in the seven-county metro area. Includes speech by state representative Ray W. Fariscy and partial speech by state representative Lee Greenfield.
April 2, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House debate on bill S.F. 20, which would repeal the 2% sports stadium commission liquor tax on on-sale liquor in the seven-county metro area. Includes conclusion of speech by state representative Lee Greenfield, and various other representatives sharing their views for and against bill.
April 2, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House debate on bill and vote on S.F. 20, which would repeal the 2% sports stadium commission liquor tax on on-sale liquor in the seven-county metro area. Program includes conclusion of debate and subsequent House vote, with 71 ayes and 63 nays.
April 5, 1979 - The final debate on the bill to repeal the 2% liquor tax to help financing the domed stadium is concluded with a vote to repeal the tax.
April 5, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Wes Skjegstad, tax examiner for Minnesota Revenue Department; and Esme Evans, member of publication office at Minnesota Revenue Department discuss state taxes and tax reporting. Skiegstad and Esme also answer listener questions.
April 7, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Roland Jensen, director of corporate and strategy and planning for Northern States Power, and Ken Peterson, an attorney for Minnesota Public Interest Research Group, who discuss advantages and disadvantages of producing electricity using nuclear power.