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.
August 16, 1980 - Marvin Mitchelson, a California divorce attorney, speaking at main branch of the Minneapolis Public Library as part of the Minneapolis Public Library's series on justice. Address was titled "Alimony/Palimony: How to Heal a Broken Heart". In speech, Mitchelson criticizes a Minnesota law passed last session dealing with living-together relationships outside of marriage. He accuses the bill's author, Senator Jack Davies, of being a chauvinist. After speech, Mitchelson answers audience questions. Mitchelson who, in the Marvin vs. Marvin case, established that, in a "living together relationship", each member of that couple has definite rights to property. That, even if there is no written agreement between the two parties. The settlements in such cases have come to be called palimony.
August 18, 1980 - MPR's Fred Steiner accompanied the University of Minnesota concert band's tour of the People's Republic of China, and in this program we hear the thoughts and impressions members of the band had about their recent musical tour, with musical excerpts from concert performances.
August 20, 1980 - Thomas Pearsall, professor of rhetoric at the University of Minnesota, talks with MPR's Dan Olson about how the English language evolved and how it is still changing, with live listener participation.
August 22, 1980 - John Anderson, Independent presidential candidate, speaking in Minneapolis Auditorium at Minnesota State Fairgrounds, as part of his "National Unity" campaign. More than 2,000 of the devoted and the curious paid three dollars each to hear Anderson speak.
August 23, 1980 - Dr. Ack speaking at the annual luncheon of the Mental Health Association of Minnesota held at St. Thomas College in Saint Paul. Ack, a champion of children's rights, addressed several child related issues in his talk, including child abuse, and what he believes are the negative effects of day care.
August 27, 1980 - Stewart Udall, former U.S. congressman and founder of an environmental consulting firm called Overview, speaking at a symposium on the future held at Mankato State University. Udall’s address was on ecology and energy across the country, as well as practicing law in Washington, D.C. Udall served U.S. Interior Secretary under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
August 28, 1980 - MPR's Tom Meersman talks with Irish-American author J. P. Donleavy, who discusses living in Ireland, his latest novel "Schults", and other matters. He's written eight novels but is best known for the first one, "The Ginger Man."
August 30, 1980 - Campaign kick-off discussed on Weekend.
September 6, 1980 - Gardening advice by Minneapolis Tribune columnist Bill Nunn with listener call-in. He writes an article on gardening for the Sunday Minneapolis Tribune.
September 13, 1980 - MPR's Rich Dietman hosts this call-in program on recent developments in the Minnesota powerline controversy, with guests Wendell Bradley, a powerline opponent and assistant professor of physics at Gustavus Adolphus College, and Bob Sheldon, public relations manager for Cooperative Power Association, one of the two cooperatives responsible for the powerline.