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.
April 9, 1979 - Governor Albert Quie makes a short statement announcing that he will sign the bill to repeal liquor tax, followed by questions from reporters.
April 10, 1979 - A profile of Leland Sateren, Augsburg College choir director and composer. Nancy Fushan interviews Sateren and they discuss the choir, writing, recording, touring, and his upcoming retirement.
April 10, 1979 - Phillip Berrigan, former Jesuit priest and antiwar activist, speaking to a Moorhead audience. Berrigan also talks with KCCM reporter John Ydstie about nuclear disarmament, American militarism and his views of American society today.
April 11, 1979 - A profile of Minnesota poet and writer Paul Grukow. Program is a presentation of his work “The Tramp."It also includes commentary and music elements.
April 14, 1979 - Stephen Keating, vice-chairman of Honeywell Incorporated; Angus Wurtele, chairman of Valspar; Don Larson, editor of "Corporate Report" business magazine; and Bill Drake, counsel for Medtronic Incorporated, discuss democracy in governance of corporations, social responsibility and shareholder relations.
April 14, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Bill Angell, extension housing specialist for the University of Minnesota; Win Peterson, past president of the Minneapolis Board of Realty; Mike Harris of the St. Paul Board of Realty; and Judith Owen, assistant vice-president at the First National Bank of St. Paul, who discuss the housing market in the Twin Cities.
April 17, 1979 - Vine Deloria Jr., a political science professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Native American activist, attorney, and author, speaking at the eighth annual Putnam Lectureship in Social Ethics at Hamline University. Deloria Jr’s address was titled "The Natural Philosophical Tradition." Following his speech, Deloria took questions from the audience.
April 19, 1979 - Veteran actors Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, married for 36 years and currently performing together in "The Gin Game" speak to the National Press Club about their experiences in the acting profession.
April 21, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, Dr. Richard Kagan, a Hamline University professor of History and East Asian Affairs, discusses the implications of America's recognition of China for Taiwan. He was visiting Taiwan when the when it was announced that diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei would be cut.
April 21, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of "How the Chinese See Themselves", a BBC report about the Four Modernizations and current Chinese attitudes and intentions about politics, education, culture, economic development, international relations and military affairs.