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 1, 1975 - Rick Baker, chairman of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Chippewa Indians; Eugene Savage, Duluth Action Council; and Ray Murdock, Duluth Indian activist discuss hunting and fishing rights of Indians in relationship with treaties.
December 31, 1975 - Garrison Keillor interviews author J. F. Powers about his book “Look How the Fish Live,” and time overseas.
January 2, 1976 - MPR’s Bill Siemering interviews Isabel Burger, founder and administrative coordinator of the Children's Theater Association in Baltimore, Maryland. Burger is also author of "Creative Play Acting" and is a nationally known authority on creative children's drama.
January 15, 1976 - Studs Terkel has put together a tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with both music and interview with Dr. King.
February 6, 1976 - "Give Hubert Hell" - A roast for Hubert Humphrey from the Minnesota Press Club.
February 17, 1976 - Dr. Milton Friedman, noted economist from the University of Chicago, speaking to the Economic Education Winter Institute at St. Cloud State University. Friedman’s address was titled, "The Outlook for the Economy and the Dollar." Following speech, Friedman answered listener questions. Milton Friedman is a member of the research staff of the National Bureau of Economic Research and is a columnist and contributing editor for Newsweek magazine.
March 11, 1976 - Midday presents Martin Bunzl's documentary on U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey. Bunzl traveled with Humphrey for several weeks collecting information for this production. Program contains various speeches, commentary, interviews, and advertising/music clips.
March 12, 1976 - Interview with Stephen Sell, executive director of the Minnesota State Arts Board, about problems of state funding for the arts.
March 12, 1976 - U.S. District Judge Miles Lord gives an address on "The Environmental Movement and the Law" before a group of Assistant Attorneys General recorded in Duluth.
March 26, 1976 - Reflections of the North documentary presents two Minnesota naturalists and artists, writer Sigurd Olson and photographer Les Blacklock, who offer readings and personal commentary on life in the “North.”