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.
April 2, 1974 - Russell and Irene Johnson, representatives of the American Friends Service Committee for over 20 years, are firsthand observers of conditions in Southeast Asia, India, China, and the Philippines. They discuss their thoughts and observations.
April 16, 1974 - MPR’s Connie Goldman has a conversation with author Robert Pirsig about his book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” Pirsig shares how he started the book while also writing computer manuals, and finished it while spending time in a camper on the North Shore.
April 29, 1974 - Robert Theobald, future planner and editor of "Futures Conditional", opens Judd Urban Forum - The Changing Urban World at Augsburg College with a one-hour address entitled, "How is the World Changing? Options and Preferences."
April 29, 1974 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Mulford Q. Sibley, University of Minnesota political science professor, about President Nixon and impeachment. Sibley states Vietnam has caused a culture of deception in American politics, and that impeachment of President Nixon should include Vietnam war crimes as well.
May 7, 1974 - During a peace rally at the University of Minnesota in May, 1974, Mulford Q. Sibley speaks about the anti-war movement.
May 7, 1974 - A Peace Rally at the University of Minnesota in May, 1974, Paul Murphy talks about war-making powers and to whom they belong.
May 18, 1974 - Minnesota's senior citizens air their grievances before a panel of senators and representatives.
May 24, 1974 - A discussion concerning open-pit and underground copper-nickel mining operations which International Nickel has proposed to begin near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the Town of Ely, Minnesota. Panel members include John Herman, Sierra Club attorney; Victor Arnold, State Planning Agency; William Bryce, Department of Natural Resources-Division of Mines; Miron Heinselman, US Forest Service; and Dean Ramstad, of International Nickel.
May 25, 1974 - Paul Murphy, professor of history at University of Minnesota, and Professor Clyde W. Summers of Yale Law School debate the issue of impeachment, as it regarded to President Nixon. Murphy argued for precedence, Summers for uniqueness of current circumstance. Debate held at the University of Minnesota.
June 2, 1974 - Remarks by Senator Hubert H. Humphrey before the annual meeting of Saint Paul Area United Way at the Hilton Hotel. Speech highlights volunteerism.