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.
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.
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.