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.
September 14, 1987 - Dr. Anita Pumpusch, President of the College of St. Catherine, answers listener questions about women's role in the Catholic church. Pumpusch met over the weekend in Florida with other college presidents and Pope John Paul.
September 16, 1987 - Chuck Slocum, executive director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, discusses the 10-year anniversary of the organization, it’s achievements, and future goals. Slocum also answers listener questions.
September 17, 1987 - Joanne Van Oorsouw, writing coordinator at the College of St. Catherine, answers listener questions about the use of language, the sources of phrases and words, etc.
September 22, 1987 - Joseph Piscatella, author of "Don't Eat Your Heart Out", answers listener questions about healthy cooking and eating.
September 25, 1987 - Dr. Robert Pepin, professor of physics at the University of Minnesota, and chair of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Planetary and Lunar Exploration, discusses what is next for space exploration and the U.S. Space Program. Topics include traveling to Mars, conditions of space on the human body, rocket capabilities, and the status of Hubble telescope launch. Pepin also answers listener questions.
September 26, 1987 - Tom Trutna, Small Business Development Center, College of St. Thomas on setting up and starting a small business.
September 28, 1987 - Jack Kemp, New York congressman and Republican presidential hopeful, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Kemp addressed topics of tax cut initiative, and employment. After speech, Kemp answers 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.
September 28, 1987 - MPR Journal presents the documentary “A Visit to Atwater.” The farm crisis of the early 1980s has taken a toll on small towns. MPR reporters Dan Olson and Stephen Smith spent some time in the West Central Minnesota farm town of Atwater to see how one small community is faring, and what the future may hold.
October 1, 1987 - Hedrick Smith, chief correspondent for the New York Times in Washington, D.C. and a regular panelist on the public television series, "Washington Week in Review," speaking to symposium at Concordia College in Moorhead on the topic, "Power Politics and the Separation of Powers".
October 2, 1987 - University of Minnesota president Kenneth Keller answers listeners questions about the ongoing discussion of "commitment to focus".