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.
November 19, 1973 - MER Special presenting a tribute to poet Pablo Neruda. Program contains various readings and commentary of Neruda’s work performed by Robert Bly and others.
November 23, 1973 - MPR’s Paul Gruchow interviews Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn experts and translators Keith Armes, Arthur C. Hudgins, and one other guest on the first English translation of "Candle in the Wind," published by University of Minnesota Press.
November 27, 1973 - Radio Liberty invterview with Harrison Salisbury and Hans Morgenthal on Soviet affairs. This is followed with an interview with Walter Mondale about his career in politics and his views on Congress and the presidency. He also answers questions about his upbringing, personality and approach in dealing with others. (Mondale interview begins at 21:25 minute mark of program)
December 7, 1973 - Lucy Komisar, journalist and author, speaks about feminism and creativity via women in the literary tradition.
December 16, 1973 - Eugene McCarthy speaks about political personalities and current issues before a campus audience at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
December 16, 1973 - Ron Libertus speaks about American Indian art, Native American culture, and family et al.
January 1, 1974 - Czech filmmaker Jan Kadar visits New Prague to see how much Czech culture remains.
January 2, 1974 - A collection of interviews of local residents providing an oral history of La Crosse, Wisconsin.
January 4, 1974 - Connie Goldman presents a collection of previous reports that illustrate the background to the violence at the Stillwater State Prison. Included are interviews by Goldman of legislators, prison administration, guards, citizens, and ex-inmates. [Please note explicit language present at 00:51:00 and 00:53:15 marker]
January 7, 1974 - MPR’s Greg Barron presents an audio montage of news reports, music, poetry, eyewitness accounts and interviews before and after the 1973 military coup in Chile.