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.
January 27, 1988 - Political scientist Gary Orfield, University of Chicago, answers listener questions about city-suburban school desegregation.
January 28, 1988 - Midday presents the MPR documentary “The Politics of Joy: A Radio Remembrance of Hubert Humphrey.” MPR’s Mark Heistad reflects on political life and impact of Hubert H. Humphrey in both Minnesota and the nation.
January 29, 1988 - MPR’s George Boosey and Dan Olson interview Joan Growe, as they wait for Patricia Schroeder to give the Carlson Lecture, "Election '88: Are We Americans Facing the Issues?" at Northrop Auditorium.
January 29, 1988 - Patricia Schroeder, U.S. representative for Colorado (D), speaking at Carlson Lecture Series in Northrop Auditorium at University of Minnesota. Schroeder’s address was titled "Election '88: Are We Americans Facing the Issues?" Following speech, Schroeder answered audience questions. Schroeder is member of the House Judiciary Committee, and chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Service of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee, where she's a leading advocate of civil service reform and whistle-blower protection. She played a major role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act and the 1984 Civil Rights Act and is a primary sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment. In the House Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families, Schroeder chairs the committee's economic security task force where she has championed work and family issues. Schroeder is also co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, a bipartisan group of representatives devoted to advancing women's legislation in Congress. Schroeder is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and awards. The Carlson Lecture Series was established by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
January 30, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Jerry Noyce, Minnesota of University tennis coach, discusses college tennis and the Rolex National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships being held in the Twin Cities. Ginger Helgeson, top college player and senior at Pepperdine University, was originally scheduled after Noyce interview, but was replaced with an extended listener question period on general sports topics.
February 1, 1988 - Star Tribune columnist Jim Klobuchar and fellow mountain climber Rod Wilson answer listener questions about their adventures. Klobuchar's new book is "When We Reach for the Sun".
February 4, 1988 - Midday presents the documentary “Liberty's Children: A Celebration of Citizenship," produced by KLSE’s Carol Gunderson. The half-hour documentary profiles a Mayo Clinic medical student from Mexico and his struggle to become an American citizen. It also includes commentary from others on their experience in becoming a U.S. citizen.
February 13, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Walt Weaver, coach and general manager of the Minnesota Monarchs; and Linda Chisholm, Monarch player and 1984 Olympic silver medalist, discuss women’s volleyball. Weaver and Chisolm also answers listener questions.
February 13, 1988 - University of Minnesota extension horticulturist Deb Brown answers listener questions about winter-time care of houseplants.
February 15, 1988 - Steve Keefe, chairman of the Metropolitan Council, and Hennepin County Board member Jeff Spartz answer listener questions about light rail transit.