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 26, 1979 - Dr. William Nolen of Litchfield, speaking at 9th Annual Health Alert Symposium held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Nolen addresses securing good health care and patients advocating competent and compassionate care.
May 26, 1979 - Jane Brody, New York Times health correspondent, speaking at 9th Annual Health Alert Symposium held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Brody examines health care from the consumer point of view.
May 29, 1979 - Joe and Nancy Paddock presents South Dakota Penitentiary inmates who write poetry. The prison program is called Poets at the Pen.
June 2, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Patricia Harpole, chief reference librarian of the Minnesota Historical Society, who discusses practical tips in searching for one's roots using genealogical resources.
June 2, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of Alex Haley speaking at the World Press Institute at Macalester College in St. Paul. Haley’s address is on his book "Roots," the story of his search for his ancestors in Africa.
June 4, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Isabel Wolf, extension specialist in foods and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, who reviews popular literature on nutrition. Wolf also answers listener questions.
June 7, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman and Dan Olson interview Dr. Tom Norris, of Children's Health Center in Minneapolis, who discusses children safety and children's diseases. Topics include issues of proper immunization, resurgence of certain diseases, automobile safety, and the United Nations-declared International Year of the Child.
June 8, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Victoria Van Slyke, director of Working Opportunities for Women Program; and by Mary Ann Wurm, A St. Paul resident who has benefited from the displaced homemakers portion of the program.
June 9, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, Ray McGee, children's counselor at Washburn Guidance Center in Minneapolis, discusses problems and challenges of children during the summer. McGee shares skills and resources to assist parents.
June 11, 1979 - Harvey Cox, author and theology professor at Harvard Divinity School, speaking at the Unity Unitarian Church in St. Paul. His discussion of new religious movements included what he considers to be the two most important theological movements of our time: dialogical theology and liberation theology. Dr. Cox discussed each movement, and then explained how he believed they related to one another. Cox was considered by many to be the most radical theologian of the day in America.