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.
February 7, 1981 - On this Weekend program, Robert Dunn, of the Minnesota Waste Management Control Board, discusses waste and hazardous waste sites control in Minnesota. Topics include burial of waste and recycling options. Dunn also answer listener questions.
February 7, 1981 - This program features an American writer reading from original works.
February 9, 1981 - This audio tour of the intertwining social and artistic revolutions at the turn of the century looks particularly at the creative vanguard. Part one of Meaning of Modernism series, this is "Ascent of the Vanguard".
February 12, 1981 - Stanley Kiesel, poet in residence for Minneapolis Schools, talks with Dan Olson about education, poetry, and his new book, "The War Between the Pitiful Teachers and the Splendid Kids."
February 15, 1981 - Bill Knight of the International Revenue Service discusses federal income taxes with MPR's Mark Johnson, broadcast live.
February 16, 1981 - This program focuses on artists currently working in new areas and looks at how vanguards have formed, split, and re-formed in the last three decades. Part two of Meaning of Modernism series, this is a continuing of "Ascent of the Vanguard".
February 17, 1981 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale discusses the office of the Vice Presidency and his experience as Vice President in Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota. This is the first of three speeches as part of the Mondale Lectures.
February 18, 1981 - Author and illustrator Tomie dePaola talks about writing children's books and answers listener questions. He discusses the stage version of his children's book, "Clown of God," being produced by the Children's Theater Company of Minneapolis.
February 20, 1981 - US Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger recently stated that crime has created a "reign of terror" in American cities, and that the US has become an "impotent society" in terms of maintaining elementary security. Patrick Murphy, President of the Police Foundation in Washington D.C. discusses crime and policing in the United States.
February 21, 1981 - Bruce Vento in Washington via satellite with Bob Potter and Senator Ron Sieloff in St. Paul.