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.
September 28, 1979 - MPR's Alan Searle interviews Michael Sherbourne, who has worked as a full-time volunteer since 1969 and is considered the main conduit of information between Soviet dissidents and the western world. Sherbourne discusses his over five thousand telephone calls to friends and relatives of Soviet dissidents and other denied exit visas from the Soviet Union. Sherbourne was interviewed in the Twin Cities before travelling to Washington to speak at a conference on the fate of the dissidents.
October 2, 1979 - MPR's special live coverage of Northern States Power Company press conference, where officials answer questions about the nuclear accident at its Prairie Island reactor near Red Wing, Minnesota.
October 3, 1979 - Rev. John Walker at the National Press Club. (Rev. J.J. Walker (?))
October 4, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews experts on what organic farming is and what its value is. The group includes Margery Peterson, principal author of a Minnesota Department of Agriculture publication on organic farming; Marilyn Larson of the Organic Growers and Buyers association; Lester Frohip, an organic farmer from Southwestern Minnesota; and Russell Adams, Jr., a soil biochemist at the University of Minnesota.
October 6, 1979 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s Rich Dietman examines the history of St. Paul on the 125th birthday of the city. Dietman interviews Virginia Kunz, executive director of the Ramsey County Historical Society; and St. Paul architect Richard Faricy. Topics include “Pigs Eye” and architecture in the city.
October 9, 1979 - Documentary that explores the attempts by South Dakota Native Americans to win more complete sovereignty from state and federal governments. A collection of various interviews. Topics include Sun Dance ritual, treaties, and courts.
October 15, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents a sound portrait of the new Hennepin Center for the Arts, which is opening in downtown Minneapolis. Fushan interviews Carol Ann McKay, who is behind the renovation of building. The Hennepin Center for the Arts will hold ten arts organizations, including Cricket theatre and Minnesota Dance Theatre.
October 20, 1979 - Pat Kane on Fitzgerald.Patricia Kane, professor of English at Macalester College, discusses the life and works of St. Paul author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
October 24, 1979 - Writer William Burroughs, credited by some as the father of the beat generation, talks with Nancy Fushan. (Re-broadcast of 1978 author profile)
October 26, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan interviews independent filmmaker Stan Brakhage, who discusses autobiographical filmmaking.