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.
May 14, 1979 - Southwest Minnesota author Frederick Manfred talks about his life as a novelist and reads from many of his works. His novels include "Scarlett Plume", "Conquering Horse", "Milk of Wolves" and "The Green Earth". From the KRSW Poets-In-Residence Series.
May 15, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Maynard Reynolds, professor of educational psychology at University of Minnesota, who discusses mainstreaming in school classrooms. Interview took place during National Handicapped Awareness Week.
May 16, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Kathleen Dineen, of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing; and Bonnie Stickles of St. Paul-Ramsey Hospital, who discuss the history and practices of midwifery and midwives today.
May 17, 1979 - Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Wahl speaking at the first Farm Women's Forum, in Rochester. The subject of address was on farmers, farmers wives and farm ownership.
May 18, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House of Representatives debating the issue of removing Independent-Republican Representative Robert Pavlak from his seat due to an election law violation in his campaign over former DFL Representative Arnold Kempe. (ADDITIONAL REFERENCE - Bob Pavlak was expelled for unfair campaign practices, and the seat was declared vacant. Pavlak ran unsuccessfully in the special election. Frank J. Rodriguez, Sr. won the special election, and the DFL gained control of the House. In the process of selecting a Speaker, the DFL split into factions, with 26 DFLers supporting Fred C. Norton and 42 supporting Irv Anderson; however, 49 Independent-Republicans sided with the pro-Norton faction, and Norton became Speaker for the 1980 session.)
May 18, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of The Minnesota House of Representatives completing final vote on the issue of removing Independent-Republican Representative Robert Pavlak from his seat due to an election law violation in his campaign over former DFL Representative Arnold Kempe. (ADDITIONAL REFERENCE - Bob Pavlak was expelled for unfair campaign practices, and the seat was declared vacant. Pavlak ran unsuccessfully in the special election. Frank J. Rodriguez, Sr. won the special election, and the DFL gained control of the House. In the process of selecting a Speaker, the DFL split into factions, with 26 DFLers supporting Fred C. Norton and 42 supporting Irv Anderson; however, 49 Independent-Republicans sided with the pro-Norton faction, and Norton became Speaker for the 1980 session.)
May 19, 1979 - On this special regional public affairs program, MPR’s Dale Connelly interviews Dave Durenberger, Independent-Republican U.S. senator of Minnesota. Topics include energy, foreign policy, agriculture, and other issues.
May 22, 1979 - Alan Dundes, professor of folklore at the University of California at Berkley speaks about the importance of folklore and how it is a scholarly discipline.
May 23, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents Playwright’s Laboratory, which showcases playwright Eric Anderson’s “Policy,” a drama written especially for radio, with assistance from the Minneapolis Playwrights' Lab. Following radio play, Archie Leyasmeyer, professor of English at University of Minnesota and president of Playwright’s Lab; Mark Frost, the play’s director; and listeners, share impressions and ask questions of playwright.
May 24, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Al Johnson, director of Minnesota Energy Agency, who discusses the subject of energy future in Minnesota. Topics include stoppage of diesel fuel delivery to state, and gas conservation. Johnson also answers listener questions.