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 16, 1979 - The Minnesota House Tax Committee hears tax proposals to help finance a downtown Minneapolis domed stadium, including a 2% liquor tax. The committee votes to repeal the liquor tax. After vote, MPR’s John Merli interviews various committee members.
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 20, 1979 - Options broadcast of Women Who Dared to Write series, which profiles four important women writers: Virginia Woolf, Elizabeth Barrette Browning, Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte. Part one highlights Woolf. The series presents excerpts of their works and is hosted by Fred Calland.
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 21, 1979 - Options broadcast of Women Who Dared to Write series, which profiles four important women writers: Virginia Woolf, Elizabeth Barrette Browning, Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte. Part two highlights Browning.
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 22, 1979 - Options broadcast of Women Who Dared to Write series, which profiles four important women writers: Virginia Woolf, Elizabeth Barrette Browning, Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte. Part three highlights Alcott.
March 23, 1979 - Options broadcast of Women Who Dared to Write series, which profiles four important women writers: Virginia Woolf, Elizabeth Barrette Browning, Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte. Part four highlights Bronte.