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 11, 1986 - David Broder, a Washington Post journalist, speaking at Minnesota Meeting in Minneapolis. Broder’s address was on the topic, "The Washington Political Scene." He talked about the political twists and turns the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act is causing in congress, and his view of several major party "front runners" for the presidential nomination in 1988. Deborah Howell, St. Paul Dispatch and Pioneer Press managing editor, was moderator at event. 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.
February 17, 1986 - Alvin Poussaint, Harvard University psychiatry professor, speaking at Coffman Union as part of Black History Month at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Poussaint’s address was on the topic "The Psyche of a Racist Culture." In speech, Poussaint says racism is deeply rooted in American culture, and even extends to the way a person's race is defined. Dr. Poussaint has devoted much of his career to studying the psychological effects of racism on Black people. He has written two best-selling books, "Why Blacks Kill Blacks", and "Black Child Care".
February 18, 1986 - Jim Dutcher, former University of Minnesota basketball coach, speaking at Minnesota Press Club. Dutcher resigned following Madison, Wisconsin incident that resulted in the arrest of three Gopher players, who were accused of rape. Dutcher spoke out that he resigned over the decisions made by University. After speech, Dutcher answered audience questions.
February 28, 1986 - Dr. Maya Angelou, who was in town as part of the West Suburban Black History Month celebration, speaking at a meeting held by the Hopkins School District about the role literature plays in the lives of all people.
March 10, 1986 - William H. Gray III, U.S. Representative D-PA., and chair of the House budget committee, speaking at the Carlson Lecture Series at held Northrop Auditorium. Gray's address was titled, "A Balanced Budget: What Cost to You?" Gray also serves on the Committee on Appropriations, the District of Columbia Committee, and on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. He has been vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. He has been senior minister at Bright Hope Baptist Church in North Philadelphia since 1972 and continues to preach three dozen sermons a year.
March 14, 1986 - Rudy Perpich, Minnesota Governor, discusses the ending of legislative session, and the outstanding state budget. George Boosey, capital correspondent, joins conversation. Perpich also answers listener questions.
March 17, 1986 - Brendan Shortall, executive director of the Irish American Cultural Institute, discusses Irish culture and the American connection. Topics include the Institute, St. Patrick, political strife, Irish exploration, and Irish music. Shorthall also answers listener questions.
March 24, 1986 - Faye Wattleton, national president of Planned Parenthood and pro-choice advocate, and John Willke, national president of "Right to Life" and leader of the pro-life movement debate the subject of abortion. Debaters were joined by St. Olaf seniors Erin Rasmussen and Cathryn Abresch. Moderator of the debate was Dr. Joan Gunderson, history professor at St. Olaf College in Northfield, where the debate took place.
March 26, 1986 - Dr. Kenneth Blanchard, author and chairman of the board of Blanchard Training and Development Inc, speaking at Minnesota Meeting in Bloomington. Blanchard addresses how to motivate people. He critiques social programs and promotes the idea of self-motivation. Blanchard is best known for the book, "The One Minute Manager", which he co-authored with Spencer Johnson. 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.
March 29, 1986 - Dan McNeil on Weekend answers listener questions about how to buy art, what to look for in gallery services, etc.