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.
January 11, 1986 - Deborah Brown answers listener questions about caring for houseplants in the winter.
January 13, 1986 - Jack Doyle answers listener questions about how genetic engineering and biotechnology are changing the food growing industry.
January 16, 1986 - On this Midday call-in program, MPR’s Beth Friend talks with Edo de Waart, the Dutch conductor who was the music director of the Minnesota Orchestra. De Waart discusses his classical career, programming, and interest in coming to Minnesota.
January 17, 1986 - Bob Dole, Kansas U.S. senator and senate majority leader, speaking to Carlson Lecture Series at the University of Minnesota's Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis. Dole addressed the topics of his wife Elizabeth, and the upcoming politics of 1986. After speech, Dole answered questions from the audience. Harlan Cleveland, the dean of the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, introduced Senator Dole.
January 18, 1986 - Sen. Dave Durenberger responds to Minnesotan's concerns about terrorism, tax reform and other current events.
January 20, 1986 - Dr. Alice Rivlin, director of economic studies at the Brookings Institution, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Rivlin’s address is on the topic "Economic Choices 1984." Dr. Rivlin served for eight years as the first director of the Congressional Budget Office, a non-partisan agency of the U.S. Congress, which provides Congress with economic forecasts, budget projections and an analysis of budgetary issues. Dr. Rivlin has been an assistant secretary for planning and evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. She has also written extensively on economic, budgetary and public decision-making issues. 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.
January 28, 1986 - Live coverage immediately after the space shuttle Challenger explosion. The shuttle exploded during ascension about a minute after launch. Program presents various reports and sounds upon aftermath of disaster. This was the 25th shuttle mission, and first loss in space shuttle program.
January 28, 1986 - Don Fraser, Minneapolis mayor, gives his State of the City address. MPR’s Dan Olson and Euan Kerr report prior to the address. Afterward, they get commentary from various individuals at the event.
January 29, 1986 - John Towle answers listener questions about preparation of 1985 federal income tax returns.
February 1, 1986 - Political analysts Bill Kennedy and Dave Krogseng answer listener questions about the upcoming Minnesota legislative session, which starts Monday, and about how developments during the session might affect the November election.