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.
October 5, 1987 - Dr. Scott Strickland, physician at Park Nicollet Clinic and Catherine Jordan, member of the Minnesota AIDS Awareness Project, discuss AIDS Awareness Month. Other topics include young people at risk, blood as transmitter, and misinformation. Strickland and Jordan also answer listener questions.
October 9, 1987 - John Mroz, president of the Institute of East-West Security Studies, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Mroz’s address was on the topic "Implications of Soviet New Thinking." After speech, Mroz 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.
October 17, 1987 - An interview with Carol Bly, author of "Letters from the Country" and a contributor to"Soil and Survival" with Joe and Nancy Paddock.Carol talks about living in rural Minnesota and answers listener questions.
October 26, 1987 - Richard Lugar, Republican U.S. senator for Indiana and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Lugar’s address was on the topic "American foreign policy in a world that won't stand still." After speech, Lugar 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.
October 30, 1987 - Harvey Golub, president and CEO of IDS Financial Services; Marjory Williams, CEO of SHE, Inc.; and Lawrence Perlman, executive vice-president of Control Data Corporation and president of the Data Storage Products Group, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Topic of panel discussion is "Changing Families, Changing Corporations: What's the Bottom Line?" Topics include changes in demographics, parenting, education, and wellness programs. Moderator is Dr. Barrie Greiff, consultant to Harvard University Health Services. 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.
October 31, 1987 - St. Paul mayor George Latimer answers listener questions about city and state affairs.
November 4, 1987 - Dr. Glenn Loury, professor of political economy at the Kennedy School of Public Affairs at Harvard University, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Loury’s speech was titled "Self Sufficiency and Responsibility: New Directions for Relationships Between the Needy and the State." After speech, Loury 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.
November 9, 1987 - On this Midday call-in program, MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Willis Eken, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union; and Merlyn Lokensgard, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. They discuss the current economy/policy of the farm scene, and answer listener questions.
November 13, 1987 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen shares account of his of first deer hunting trip. With the help of hunter Don Wig, Biewen’s weekend includes a cabin, stories, cards…and a long solitary wait in a tree stand in the woods near Emily, Minnesota.
November 16, 1987 - Shirley Williams, co-director of the Breast Cancer at St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center, answers listener questions about breast cancer treatment and research.