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 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., Native American activist, attorney, and author, and political science professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson, speaks 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 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.
April 24, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House Energy and Utilities Committee hearing on fuel supplies in Minnesota. Program includes various speeches and commentary, including that of Dick Wiggly, chairman of the Minnesota House Energy and Utilities Committee, and Al Johnson, director of Minnesota Energy Agency.
April 26, 1979 - Marcia Gelpe, University of Minnesota Law Professor, speaking at Public and Private Land Use Rights Forum held at Wilmar Community College. Gelpe’s addressed the subject of eminent domain. This is an excerpt of speech.
April 26, 1979 - Leslie Green, head of the Minnesota Parole Board, talks with MPR’s Pat Kessler about the work of the board. Topics include his own personal criminal history and reflecting on what it’s like to be on both ends of the table of a parole board session.
April 27, 1979 - Former Minnesota governor Elmer L. Andersen reviews the book The Terrors of Justice: The Untold Side of Watergate by Maurice H. Stans.
April 28, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Dale Simonson of the Mental Health Association of Minnesota; Judge Susanne Sedgwick of Hennepin County District Court, Family Division; and Reverend Jay Croft, director of the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped, who discuss mental health resources in the community. Highlighted topics include a definition of mental health, child abuse, and coping with special frustrations of being handicapped.