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.
February 5, 1974 - Voices from the Reservation (Part Two). Comments by residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on the Wounded Knee occupation in 1973 and the coming tribal election (7 February 1974) between Russell Means and Richard Wilson. Kevin McKiernan reports.
February 12, 1974 - Will Rogers Jr. recalls the wit and wisdom of his father, Will Rogers.
February 12, 1974 - Dr. Sidney M. Wolfe speaking at a symposium held at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Wolfe’s topic was on the conflict of interest between industries and professionals in the medical services fields, the availability of information from the medical industry and medical services fields, and the exclusion of consumers from information in the medical delivery field (drug industry especially).
February 17, 1974 - The Eisenhower Symposium #9 presents Dr. Isaac Asimov speaking at the 1973 Milton S. Eisenhower Symposium, held at Johns Hopkins University, Boston. Asimov’s speech is titled “Utopian Change," which deals with the many changes directly affect daily life yet may be forced upon the individual before he can evaluate their benefit or plan for their incorporation in his daily routine.
February 18, 1974 - Kevin McKiernan on the Pine Ridge election and aftermath. Part of the Wounded Knee Reports.
February 21, 1974 - AIM leader Dennis Banks speaks out about Patty Hearst kidnapping, stating that AIM takes an immediate position of totally condemning the act of kidnapping.
March 8, 1974 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Maceo Dixon, national campaign coordinator for the Socialist Workers Party. Dixon discusses the party’s suit to cease and desist against the U.S. government on harassment claims.
March 13, 1974 - Arthur Schlesinger, historian and author, speaks at the University of Missouri. Schlesinger’s address is on topic from his book "The Imperial Presidency."
March 26, 1974 - Reverend John Adams, from the United Methodist Church, discusses the role of the FBI in the Wounded Knee incident and the consequent trial proceedings. Reverend Adams was designated by the National Council of Churches as a Chief Mediator at Wounded Knee. Kevin McKiernan reports.
April 2, 1974 - MPR’s Connie Goldman looks at a game course at Macalester College. Students under the guidance of Professor Raymond Mikkelson, used a five-week interim period to study games and invent their own. Course included mainstream games Monopoly and Clue, as well as war theme games, such as Gettysburg.