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.
March 31, 1975 - Dr. Estelle Ramey, a professor of physiology and biophysics at Georgetown University Medical School, speaking on the superiority of women. Dr. Ramey, who opened the Area Spring Women's Conference at Saint Cloud State College's Atwood Ballroom in Saint Cloud, told a large audience that women are intellectually equal to men and physically superior in some ways. Ramey has a Doctorate in Endocrinology and has spent several years researching the relationship between glands and the nervous system and stress responses.
April 1, 1975 - Leonard Woodcock, United Auto Workers president, speaking before the closing session of the Minnesota Social Service Association's 82nd Annual Welfare Conference in Minneapolis. Woodcock’s address was on the topic "Economic Realities and Human Needs."
April 1, 1975 - Helen Gilbert, masters in folklore and professor at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, speaking before the Spring Area Women's Conference at the Germain Hotel in St. Cloud. The title of the speech was "Women in Mythology."
April 4, 1975 - MPR’s Connie Goldman reports on the controversy that’s erupted over a directive banning teaching, advising directing, or suggesting of abortion or birth control in the classroom, issued by superintendent of South St Paul's Public School District.
April 4, 1975 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews anthropologists Nena and George O'Neill about their book “Shifting Gears.” The book deals with how to recognize and solve personal crises, and how to build self-confidence and self-esteem.
April 11, 1975 - A special report on the life, history and problems of the Mexican-American in Minnesota.
April 21, 1975 - MPR’s Connie Goldman talks with artist Claes Oldenburg about his art and art show at the Walker Art Center. Goldman is fascinated by a giant eraser.
May 15, 1975 - A Midday presentation of speeches by environmentalist and author Sigurd Olson, and former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall at the annual meeting of the Northern Environmental Council in Superior, Wisconsin.
May 15, 1975 - A Midday presentation of speeches by environmentalist and author Sigurd Olson, and former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall at the annual meeting of the Northern Environmental Council in Superior, Wisconsin.
May 16, 1975 - A two-part program dealing with the problem of unemployment, produced by MPR reporter Martin Bunzl. The first part is a collage of voices of unemployed workers reacting to their current situation, and some officials. The second is a conversation with Bud James, organizer for the Workers Alliance between 1935 and 1940, and organizer for the Workers' Alliance, which helped set up unemployment councils during the Great Depression. James talks about the status of unemployment benefits during the earlier hard times.