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.
June 25, 1979 - Edwin Knoll, editor of The Progressive magazine, talks about the H-bomb article which was banned from publication in his magazine. Erwin Knoll explains why he should be able to publish an article on the working of a hydrogen bomb.
June 28, 1979 - MPR reporter Shiua Brigid talks with opposing sides of the SALT II agreement. Pro: Sanford Gottlieb, Americans for SALT / Con: Paul Nitze, former arms negotiator. Gottlieb and Nitze share their perspectives and provide various data and information to support their view.
June 29, 1979 - MPR’s Tom Meersman interviews Lee Botts, chairman of the Great Lakes Basin Commission. She discusses the present and future status of the Great Lakes. Topics include phosphorus and algae problems, the definition of “dead lakes,” and pollution.
June 30, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, a presentation of Neal Peirce, syndicated columnist for the Washington Post Writers Group and a contributing editor for the National Journal, speaking to the Committee on Urban Environment, an advisory group to the City Planning Commission of Minneapolis. Pierce’s address was on the topic of city development as it relates to neighborhoods and shopping centers.
June 30, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, Charles Weaver, new chairman of the Metropolitan Council, discusses the Metropolitan Council and urban development. He also shares his thoughts on Neal Peirce speech to the Committee on Urban Environment.
July 7, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman presents highlights from Hispanic festival on the West Side of St. Paul. This was the first El Midwest Canto Al Pueblo (aka - Song to the People). Program includes interviews with artists, music breaks, poetry reading, and other sounds from and about the festival.
July 11, 1979 - Richard Buckminster Fuller, American architect, speaking to the Women's National Democratic Club. Topics include architecture, economy, and inflation. Following his speech, Fuller answers audience questions. Fuller was also a systems theorist, author, designer, inventor and futurist.
July 18, 1979 - Stewart Udall, environmentalist and former Secretary of the Interior, and Leon Martel, executive vice president of the Hudson Institute, debate the resolution "There Is an Energy Crisis in the United States" at the first annual Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture at St. Cloud State University. Stewart Udall argued there is an energy shortage in the United States, while Leon Martel argued the opposite.
July 20, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Dr. Frank Busta, member of the Food Science Department at the University of Minnesota. Busta discusses controversy that has arisen in a related sorbate study and about whose side food scientists are on...consumers or big business?
July 21, 1979 - On this special Spectrum/Home for the Weekend broadcast, MPR’s Rich Dietman presents a group discussion and live call-in program on Minnesota Public Radio's programming decisions, its technical operations, and funding of the network.