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.
August 15, 1987 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Kathy Heidel, naturalist with the Hennepin County Park Reserve System. They discuss the “dog days” of summer. Topics include the high temperatures, birds, and bees. Heidel also answers listener questions.
August 17, 1987 - David Larsen, tribal chairman at the Lower Sioux Agency Reservation near Morton, Minnesota, answers questions about Minnesota's four Dakota reservations and other Indian issues on the 125th anniversary of the start of the Dakota conflict.
August 19, 1987 - Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III answers listener questions about his office's recent activities, and about his future political plans.
August 20, 1987 - The 10th annual Summer Conference on Theology and the Church, held at Concordia College in Moorhead, presenting a debate on religious fundamentalism. Erling Jorstad, professor of history and American studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield, shares his views on fundamentalism and the religious right. Jorstad has studied and written extensively about fundamentalism. Countering Jorstod, Reverend Edward Dobson, editor of "The Fundamentalist Journal" and board member of the Moral Majority, presents his viewpoint on the Religious Right. Dobson is also co-author of a book with the Reverend Jerry Falwell, former vice president for student affairs at Liberty Baptist University at Lynchburg, Virginia.
August 22, 1987 - On this Weekend program, Ron Willis, deputy meteorologist-in-charge of the Twin Cities National Weather Service office discusses late summer weather, thunderstorms, and possible outlook for the fall. Willis also answers listener questions.
August 27, 1987 - Dr. Mary Frances Berry, historian, civil rights activist, and commissioner on the US Commission of Civil Rights, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Berry’s address was titled "Civil Rights in America: Liberty and Justice for All." Following speech, Berry 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.
August 29, 1987 - Literary agents Jonathan and Wendy Lazear answer listener questions about their work representing fiction and non-fiction writers, and how to attract the attention of an agent.
August 31, 1987 - Dr. B.J. Kennedy, professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, widely recognized as one of the University's top cancer researchers, answers listener questions about possible causes and treatments of cancer.
September 2, 1987 - Jim Schaefer, director of the Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health, discusses community approaches to preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Topics include drunk driving, alcohol sales to minors, and informal social control. Schaefer also answers listener questions.
September 4, 1987 - Father Robert Drinan, professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center, speaking at the College of St. Benedict. Father Drinan’s address was on the topic "Religion and Politics in Contemporary American Society". Drinan presents a historical perspective of the church/state problems, and what may happen going forward. Following his speech, Father Drinan answered audience questions. Father Robert Drinan is best known to most of us as a former member of congress where he served 10 years from 1971 to 1981. Drinan was ordained a priest (Society of Jesus) in 1953. From 1956 to 1970, Drinan was dean and Professor of Law at Boston College Law School. He is the author of numerous books including, "Beyond the Nuclear Freeze", "Vietnam: An Armageddon", and "Democracy, Dissent and Disorder".