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.
December 6, 1980 - Governor Al Quie in for a call-in.
December 8, 1980 - University of Minnesota soil scientist and agricultural meteorologist Donald Baker discusses crop yields and weather predictions as well as answers live listener questions.
December 10, 1980 - Futurist Arthur Hawkins, associate professor of Education at the University of Minnesota, talks about his ideas for shaping the future.
December 12, 1980 - MPR's Tom Meersman interviews Minnesota writer Frederick Manfred, who shares events from his life and how it affected his writing. Manfred’s novels include Lord Grizzly and the recent Sons of Adam.
December 13, 1980 - Jack Nelson, author of "Hunger for Justice: The Politics of Food and Faith", speaking at a Minneapolis conference on organic farming, sponsored by Clergy and Laity Concerned. Nelson’s address was on the topic "Hunger and the Crisis in American Agriculture." He shared his believe that America being the world's breadbasket was a myth. Nelson is a native of Minnesota. He is a critic of many of the trends in American agriculture.
December 13, 1980 - Mary Williams, an analyst for the Minnesota Project (a private study group in the Twin Cities), appears before the join legislative commission on energy to discuss the Minnesota Energy Agency's conservation goals and other energy issues.
December 17, 1980 - University of Minnesota Extension housing specialist Bill Angell answers live listener questions on the current home-buying environment.
December 19, 1980 - A presentation of excerpts from 1980 Minnesota Writers Conference, held in Rochester. Part one features writing sessions "On Writing Fiction" by Judith Guest, and "Short Story Dynamic" by Carol Bly. Beryl Byman was the writer, producer, and director of program.
December 20, 1980 - Tim Scherkenback, acting deputy director in the solid waste division of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and Alan Schilepsky, hazardous waste coordinator of the Minnesota Waste Management Board, discuss hazardous waste in Minnesota.
December 26, 1980 - A presentation of excerpts from 1980 Minnesota Writers Conference, held in Rochester. Part two features remarks by writers Michael Dennis-Browne, Carol Bly, Judith Guest, and John Judson. Beryl Byman was the writer, producer and director of program.