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 15, 1980 - MPR's Nancy Fushan talks with twin cities playwright Nancy Beckett, whose play about battered women, "The Women Here are no Different", is being presented by the Women's Theater Project at the Hennepin Center for the Arts.
September 20, 1980 - Minnesota Energy Agency solar expert John Dunlop answers live listener calls on solar heating of homes.
September 24, 1980 - Curtis Sparks from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Nancy Grimsby, founder of a recycling center in Edina, discuss the problem of solid waste recycling in a call-in program.
September 27, 1980 - Richard Mitchell, professor of history at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, speaking at "Understanding Resurgent Islam" conference held at the University of Minnesota. Mitchell’s address was titled “The Range of Islamic Activism and Its Potential in the World Today.” It provided insight into the diversity of the Islamic movement. After speech, Mitchell answered audience questions.
September 27, 1980 - MPR’s Tom Meersman interviews Hamid Algar, professor of Islamic studies and history at the University of California at Berkeley. Algar discusses the Iranian revolution, and outlines what he thinks are the greatest misconceptions the United States has of the revolution and the Ayatollah Khomeini.
September 29, 1980 - Nobel Prize-winning plant scientist Norman Borlaug discusses the world food supply, plant genetics, and other topics in the live call-in program.
October 2, 1980 - Actor Martin Sheen is volunteering his services as the narrator for a Twin Cities-made film on the effects of on Vietnam veterans of exposure to the toxic defoliant Agent Orange. The film's producer, Jim Gambone, joins Sheen for a live interview on the film and on Sheen's career.
October 3, 1980 - MPR's Nancy Fushan interviews Pinchas Zukerman about his new career as The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra musical director and conductor. Zukerman shares his excitement on the potential of orchestra and transitioning from role as virtuoso violinist to conductor.
October 6, 1980 - MPR's Nancy Fushan interviews Gerd Sander, whose grandfather's, August Sander art works are on exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
October 10, 1980 - Sherry Rolnick and Renee Ward from the Midwest Health Center for Women answer questions about women, health, and sexuality in this live call-in.