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.
May 9, 1984 - Dr. Ronald Cranford, chief of neurology at Hennepin County Medical Center, answers listener questions on issues of current medical ethics.
May 12, 1984 - Attorney General Skip Humphrey and Better Business Bureau president answer listener questions about consumer affairs.
May 15, 1984 - Midday presents a broadcast of Human Rights Series in three parts. Program three discusses the impact that non-governmental organizations can have on human rights abuses with David Weissbrodt, past general counsel of Amnesty International and current law professor at the U of M; Hennepin County Judge Roberta Levy; and Sam Heins, president of the Minnesota Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights.
May 25, 1984 - J.G. Preston, sports director of Minnesota News Network, discusses baseball in the state, probable sale of Minnesota Twins, current owner Calvin Griffith, and other sports issues. Preston also answers listener questions.
May 28, 1984 - Economist Lester Thurow speaking to a meeting of the Minnesota Project on Corporate Responsibility. Thurow’s address was on the topic "Economics and Education." After speech, Thurow answered audience questions.
May 29, 1984 - C. Fred Bergsten, director of the Institute for International Economics, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Bergsten address was on the topic "The World Economic Outlook and its impact on the US." After speech, Bergsten answered audience questions. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
June 2, 1984 - Futurist Arthur Harkins from the University of Minnesota answers listener questions about how the roles of men and women may change on the job and at home.
June 8, 1984 - Ted Sorensen, author and former presidential aide to JFK, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Sorensen’s address was titled "A Different Kind of Presidency." He proposes a coalition government, one in which the presidential candidate selects a running mate from the other party. Such an administration, he says, would break the political deadlock and thereby avoiding otherwise irreversible damage and danger. After speech, Sorensen answers listener questions. Lew Lehr, chairman and chief executive officer of the 3M Company, chairman of the Minnesota Meeting, introduces Sorensen. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
June 12, 1984 - Adolescent girls rap about the future at Spring Hill Conference Center, in Wayzata. Joan Lipsitz, Director of the Center for Early Adolescence at the University of North Carolina, lead panel discussion.
June 25, 1984 - William Ruckelshaus, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Ruckelshaus’s address was titled "Environmental Protection in the '80s: A Time for Hope." A main topic is water pollution. After speech, Ruckelshaus answered audience questions. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.