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 4, 1987 - This month's edition of Minnesota Monthly features excerpts from Eugene McCarthy's new book, "Up 'Til Now," and today on Weekend we are pleased to present to you an interview with Eugene McCarthy. This is chiefly about people in politics that have made an impression on McCarthy over the years. He talks about Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Nixon, Carter, plus Rayburn, Humphrey, Mondale. He tells us his view of the press and the state of politics today.
April 6, 1987 - Barbara Anderson with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Arthur Himmelman, senior fellow at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute and Larry Kegan, a quadriplegic living at home, answer questions about home care for the disabled.
April 7, 1987 - Judith Guest speaking at the Walker Art Center, April 7, 1987 and aired on Memorial Day. Guest’s address is her essay “The Mythic Family.”
April 7, 1987 - Dr. David Henry Feldman and Dr. Sylvia Feinburg, members of the department of child study at Tufts University, discuss childhood development and creativity. Topics include prodigies, autism, art, and gender differences. Feldman and Feinberg also answer listener questions.
April 13, 1987 - Dr. Richard H. Grimm, Jr., Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, answers listener questions about treating hypertension, or high blood pressure.
April 18, 1987 - University of Minnesota extension nutritionist Joanne Slavin answers listener questions about calories, cholesterol, fiber, and other nutrition and diet concerns.
April 21, 1987 - Deborah Howell, executive editor for St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch, talks about what goes into the newspaper and why. Howell also answers listener questions.
April 22, 1987 - Don Willeke, chairman of the State Shade Tree Advisory Committee and Dr. David French, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, answer listener questions about planting and caring for trees of all kinds.
April 23, 1987 - E. Gerald Corrigan, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Corrigan’s address is on the topic "The U.S. and World Economy." After speech, Corrigan answered audience questions. 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.
May 4, 1987 - Deb Brown, extension horticulturist from the University of Minnesota's Dial-U Clinic, answers listener questions about spring gardening.