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 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.
May 6, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews Soviet poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko. He answers listener questions about his work and his impressions of artistic expression in the USSR.
May 6, 1987 - Dr .George Tagatz, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, answers listener questions about the medical and ethical issues surrounding in vitro fertilization.
May 9, 1987 - On this Weekend program, Joe Alexander, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), discusses a wide range of activities under his purview: fish and wildlife management, forestry, parks, state-owned mineral rights and more. The dangerous fire conditions in northern Minnesota is also mentioned. Alexander also answers listener questions.
May 10, 1987 - Midday presents the documentary “Williams Pipeline Under Fire: The South Dakota Story,” which looks into gasoline leaks and spills, as well as information about other unsafe and possibly illegal activities at Williams Pipeline Companies Sioux Falls, South Dakota terminal.