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 30, 1974 - Agnes Lamont, mother of Buddy Lamont, who was killed at Wounded Knee in 1973, is interviewed by Kevin McKiernan. Lamont discusses Oglala Sioux on Pine Ridge Reservation.
September 7, 1974 - Sigurd Olson, environmentalist and author, speaking at the University of Minnesota-Duluth summer commencement. Topic of speech is on the ‘wilderness challenge.’
September 8, 1974 - On this Forum program, Hiram Drache, professor of history at Concordia College-Moorhead, speaks on farmers, farms and farming in relation to North Dakota, and the 1930s Depression and other trying times.
September 13, 1974 - Midday presents a profile of Alfred Adler Institute and Adlerian psychology. MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Ruth Katz and Bob Bartholow, instructors at the Adler Institute, about institute programs designed to teach Adlerian psychology.
September 14, 1974 - Interview of administrators, guards and prisoners about tensions at the St. Cloud State Reformatory and the mediation efforts being made to alleviate them.
September 21, 1974 - Kevin McKiernan presents highlights of his long, fastidious, coverage of the Wounded Knee controversy.
September 21, 1974 - Media artist Robert Whitman put together a "call-in" new program for the common man, and the "event" had a fascinating appeal.
September 28, 1974 - MPR reporter Lee Mathis with U. S. Representative Al Quie, GOP-Minnesota at a state language conference in Rochester, Minnesota.
September 29, 1974 - A radio dramatization and discussion of the controversy over the conviction and execution of the Rosenbergs for giving atomic secrets to Soviets.
October 6, 1974 - Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts Center's grand opening.