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.
September 8, 1972 - A discussion by local members of the Jewish community on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, following the slayings of the Israeli delegation to the Olympic Games 1972. Hosted by Connie Goldman, who is joined by Paul Gruchow. [Please note - audio contains explicit language]
October 6, 1972 - Conversation with Roland Bainton on the religious roots of American culture.
October 16, 1972 - Jack Anderson, an American newspaper columnist, speaking at the St. John's University auditorium. Anderson's speech was on the public's right to know. Speech followed by Anderson answering questions from the audience.
January 1, 1973 - MER presents Greg Barron’s radio documentary “A Story About Dogs,” a feature which examines the plight of dogs caught up in Twin Cities area pounds. Program includes various interviews with animal advocates, dog owners, pound/kennel staff members, and various officials.
January 20, 1973 - Eugene McCarthy speaks at the Peace Conference held at the Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, MN. The speech focuses on the ongoing Vietnam War.
February 12, 1973 - Founders of The Women Poets of the Twin Cities give voice to their poetry in a program dedicated to the anniversary of the birthday of women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony.
March 4, 1973 - On this Forum program, Paul Scofield reads Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn acceptance speech for Nobel Prize in Literature.
April 1, 1973 - Connie Goldman examines Minnesota's parole system by looking in detail at one of its recent decisions. The release of Bill Rankin, convicted of three felonies, aroused a storm of public protest that eventually reached the Governor's office. We hear both Rankin and the critics of his release in this program.
May 5, 1973 - On this Radio Free Saturday, MPR’s Marvin Granger and Pual Gruchow interview Phyllis Kahn, Minnesota state representative. Kahn shares her critique of the University of Minnesota leadership.
May 6, 1973 - Part one of the MER documentary series, A Sense of Place. Program is titled “Anishinaabe Means Original People,” and focuses on conversations with Indian people about their feelings about the place where they live.