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.
May 12, 1987 - Michael Osterholm, state epidemiologist for the State of Minnesota, answers questions about AIDS. Osterholm discusses the impact of disease in Minnesota and the view of AIDS as an epidemic.
May 13, 1987 - Chet Meyers, fishing enthusiast, discusses the fish opener. Meyers also answers listener questions.
May 18, 1987 - Daniel Yankelovich, chairman of the Yankelovich Group and president Public Agenda Foundation, at Minnesota Meeting. Yankelovich’s topic is “Competitiveness: How to Achieve a National Consensus." After speech, Yankelovich 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.
May 23, 1987 - On this Sportfolio program, Frank Deford, senior writer for Sports Illustrated, discusses his book, “The World’s Tallest Midget: The Best of Frank Deford,” and various sports topics. Deford also answers listener questions.
May 23, 1987 - On this Weekend program, Kathy Heidel, naturalist for Hennepin Parks, leads a walking tour through Carver Park Reserve, identifying a variety of bird calls, describing wild plant and animal life, including a nesting pair of ospreys.
May 28, 1987 - A Midday broadcast of playwright Marsha Norman speaking at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Norman talks about the role of family in the theater, contrasts American themes with British themes, and talks about her own family relationships.
May 29, 1987 - Alexander Haig, former secretary of state and GOP presidential contender, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Haig’s address was titled "Challenges for the Future: American Foreign and Domestic Policy." After speech, Haig answered listener questions.
May 30, 1987 - University of Minnesota extension horticulturist Deb Brown answers listener questions about lawn and garden problems.
June 5, 1987 - Betty Williams, 1977 Nobel Peace Prize winner, speaking at the Fargo Town Hall lecture series. William’s address was on the topic "World Peace is Everyone's Business."
June 6, 1987 - On this Weekend program, Ken Kline, child psychologist, discusses children in the summer. Topics include independent time, summer school programs, camps, chores, family vacations, and part-time parenting. Kline also answer listener questions.