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.
November 16, 1985 - Minneapolis physician Dr. Keith Sehnert, author of a newly published book, "Selfcare/Wellcare", answers listener questions about his approach to good health.
November 19, 1985 - Lane Kirkland, AFL-CIO president, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium. Kirkland’s address was on the topic of unions and the American future. Following speech, Kirkland answered audience questions. Kirkland has been appointed to several presidential commissions, including the Presidential Commission to Study Social Security (1983) and the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America (1984). Among the boards he serves on are the American Council on Germany, American Arbitration Association, the Rockefeller Foundation, International Broadcasting, the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Planning Association and the National Endowment for Democracy. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
November 20, 1985 - Mitch Snyder, director of the Center for Creative Non-Violence in Washington D.C., speaking to the National Forum on Urban Homelessness, held at the University of Minnesota. Snyder’s address was on the problems of the homeless. Snyder was the subject of a made-for-television 1986 biopic, “Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story,” starring Martin Sheen.
November 21, 1985 - A Midday broadcast of Westminster Town Hall Forum with novelist and short story writer Isaac Bashevis Singer. His address is entitled "The Stories of Isaac Singer."
November 23, 1985 - University of Minnesota housing expert Bill Angell talks about consumer problems in the home improvement market and the victimization of elderly people.
November 27, 1985 - Alla Bozarth-Campbell, Episcopal priest, author, lecturer, and psychotherapist answers listener questions about coping with loss and with the emotional stresses of the holiday season.
November 28, 1985 - A special Thanksgiving presentation of “Blessing of the Fields,” a documentary program about how farming has changed over the years in our region especially the change from horse power to tractor power. That transition was one of the most important factors leading to the Midwest's amazingly productive agricultural system. But it had other affects - not all of them as highly thought of.
December 5, 1985 - Jonathan Kozol speaking at a meeting hosted by the Minnesota Literacy Council. Kozol’s address was on illiteracy in United States. Kozol is a graduate of Harvard University. He is a Rhodes Scholar and has taught at Yale. Kozol has been researching illiteracy problems for more than two decades. His newest book is entitled "Illiterate America".
December 5, 1985 - John Mack Draper, president of a telecommunications service bureau, Pro Rate, Inc., and Ray Bohn, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Service, answer listener questions about telephone deregulation, rates, and choices.
December 9, 1985 - Irwin Jacobs, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Minstar Incorporated, and president of the Jacobs Management Corporation, and Raymond Plank, chairman and chief executive officer of Apache Corporation debate at Minnesota Meeting. The topic of debate was “Corporate Takeovers: Who Wins? Who Loses?" Irwin Jacobs is a well-known corporate raider. Raymond Plank is the founder and co-chair of Stakeholders in American, a national coalition of CEOs that attempts to counter hostile takeover attempts. Ted Weyerhaeuser, chairman of Minnesota Meeting, moderated. 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.