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.
December 20, 1986 - On this Sportfolio program, Libby Riddles, professional dogsledder, discusses mushing, racing weather, and dog sledding. Riddles also answers listener questions.
December 20, 1986 - Dave Moore of WCCO talking about his book "A Member of the Family"
December 22, 1986 - Henry Cisneros, mayor of San Antonio and president of the National League of Cities, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Cisnero’s address was on the topic "The Survival of the American Cities in the '80s". He places a special focus on jobs. George Latimer, St. Paul Mayor, introduces Cisneros. 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 2, 1987 - On this Sportfolio program, Tom Copeland, Twin Cities physical therapist, discusses health and fitness. Copeland also answers listener questions. Opening segment of program is brief report on Jerry Burn’s animated comments at Minnesota Vikings press conference.
January 2, 1987 - Midday presents the Public Policy Unit documentary "Dropouts: Falling off the Bottom Rung." MPR’s Stephen Smith, Bill Catlin, and Dan Olson create a collaborative report on Minnesota high school dropouts.
January 7, 1987 - Minneapolis mayor Don Fraser and St. Paul mayor George Latimer answer listener questions about current issues in Minnesota's largest cities.
January 10, 1987 - Tax consultant Bob Ebel (former executive director of the Latimer Tax Study Commission) answers listener questions about tax policy matters facing Minnesota both during the current legislative session and longer term.
January 16, 1987 - Walter Rostow, former national security advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Rostow’s address was titled "The United States and the Fourth Industrial Revolution." Speech focused on U.S. in the technological revolution. After speech, Rostow answered audience questions.
January 16, 1987 - On this MPR Special, MPR’s Bill Wareham presents speeches from the "Minnesota Horizons: Turning Point to the '90s" conference attended by state lawmakers. The speakers and topics were as follows: - Philip Raup "Does the Dual Economy Really Characterize Minnesota?" - Jan Smaby "Those in Need and the Human Services Support System" - Michael Resnick "Public Health Trends and the Human Services Support System" - Stanley Collender "The National Perspective: The Impact of the Federal Budget and the Deficit"
January 23, 1987 - Susan Voss and Marilyn Belgum, who started her career in comedy at age 50, answer listener questions about the increasing opportunity for stand-up comics in our area.