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 1, 1986 - Sandra Batie, professor of agricultural economics at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, speaking at a Twin Cites conference on the rural economic crisis. Batie addressed agriculture and the environment. Batie has consulted about agriculture's effects on the environment to the USDA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Conservation Foundation, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers.
April 1, 1986 - William Norris, retired chairman of Control Data Corporation, speaking at the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce about reviving the rural economy. Norris’s address was titled "Comprehensive Rural Economic Development and Job Creation in Minnesota." Norris called on his colleagues in the business community to pitch in and help revive the rural economy. Norris said the family farm was a viable economic unit which had suffered from bad farm policy and misapplied technology, but that the family farm could survive if the business and public sector cooperated on coming up with ideas.
April 4, 1986 - George Dixon, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank System, who is also the chairman of the Minnesota Business Partnership, answers listener questions about the Minnesota business climate.
April 14, 1986 - Dr. Michael Till answers listener questions about dental care for children.
April 24, 1986 - Norman J. Ornstein, author and American political scientist, speaking at the College of Saint Thomas. Ornstein’s address was on the Reagan presidency. After speech, Ornstein answered audience questions.
April 26, 1986 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Dale Archibald, author and computer expert, who discusses home computing and his book. Topics include tech companies, new products, telecommunications, terms, and computer troubleshooting. Archibald also answers listener questions.
April 29, 1986 - Dr. John Najarian and David Graven discuss the high cost of health care and the ethical issues involved.
May 1, 1986 - Poet, author and farmer Wendell Berry speaks at the College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph. The speech is entitled, "In Defense of the Family Farm."
May 8, 1986 - The late John Ciardi delivers an address called "Why Read?" and reads some of his poetry: The Collectors; The Glory; Happiness; For Myra, John L. and Benn; Mutterings; Obsolescence; Habitat; Perversity.
May 12, 1986 - Father Robert Drinan, a lawyer, author and former congressman who has long been active in the anti-nuclear movement, gave an address in Minneapolis in honor of World Law Day. Speech was titled "Possibilities for Peace in the Nuclear Age." Father Drinan’s appearance was co-sponsored by the World Federalist Association of Minnesota, the Lawyers Alliance for Nuclear Arms Control and the United Nations Association of Minnesota. He was introduced by Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser.