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.
November 15, 1980 - Producer John Gaddo produced this sound portrait of life along the Mississippi River.
November 17, 1980 - Interview with Dr. Paul MacCready, who designed and constructed the gossamer albatross, a human-powered flight vehicle. Rich Dietman hosts a live call-in program with MacCready about his invention, which is now on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
November 19, 1980 - Dr. Jeffrey McCullough, director of the St. Paul area Red Cross blood center and the University of Minnesota blood bank, talks about recent developments in blood component therapy.
November 20, 1980 - Roy Grow, China expert and professor of political science at Carleton College in Northfield, speaking at a conference sponsored by the Minnesota China Council. Grow’s speech was on the topic of China's program of modernization.
November 21, 1980 - MPR's Nancy Fushan prepared this look at Mixed Blood Theater of Minneapolis and their production of the musical revue "Wake!", based on the career of black minstrel performer Bert Williams, combining music and social history.
November 22, 1980 - MPR's Greg Barron, who visited the Cambodian refugee camps along the Thailand border about a year ago, hosts a live listener call-in program on the state of the refugees with Stan Breen, National Director of the American Refugee Committee, who has recently returned from Southeast Asia.
November 29, 1980 - Calvin Bradford, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs professor, speaks on the neighborhood movement, from its definition to the struggle between national and local control.
November 29, 1980 - MPR's Bob Potter interviews energy consultant Michael Murphy on this live call-in program.
December 1, 1980 - MPR's Dan Olson hosts this live call-in program on the economics of wood heat, how to burn wood safely, and other helpful hints, with University of Minnesota extension forester Lew Hendricks and Elroy Derdahl of the state building code division.
December 5, 1980 - Kris Sanda, director of the Minnesota office of consumer services, discusses Christmas shopping and other seasonal consumer issues on this live call-in program.