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 15, 1988 - Philip Johnson, famed architect, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Johnson reminiscences about Minneapolis architecture and the IDS Center. Johnson is perhaps best known to area residents as the designer of the IDS Center in Minneapolis. To many of his colleagues he is the Dean of American Architecture and has to his credit the AT&T Headquarters in New York, where he is based, Pennzoil Plaza and Republic Bank Tower in Houston, and the IBM Atlantic Center project in Atlanta. With Atlanta real estate developer Blaine Kelley, he is currently involved in a project that will bring yet another Philip Johnson building to Minneapolis. 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.
January 16, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Jay Robinson, University of Minnesota wrestling coach, discusses the college sport. Topics include training, tournament schedules, and athletics as a discipline. Robinson also answers listener questions.
January 16, 1988 - Susan Erbaugh, director of Mental Health Services at Minneapolis Children's Medical Center, answers listener questions about promoting good mental health among children and even infants.
January 18, 1988 - Dave Durenberger, Minnesota U.S. senator (I-R), speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Durenberger’s address was on the topic "Central America: Regional Insecurity and U.S. Policy." Following speech, Durenberger 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.
January 22, 1988 - Minnesota Senator Rudy Boschwitz answers listener questions about his recent visit to Japan and Southeast Asia.
January 23, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, John Weistart, specialist in sports law and professor at Duke University School of Law, discusses the many aspects of sports law. Topics include labor, anti-trust, and college sports system. Weistart also answers listener questions.
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.