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.
June 13, 1988 - Irwin Jacobs, Minnesota businessman, discusses entrepreneurship, takeovers, and leadership. Jacobs also talks about the Special Olympics coming to Minnesota, and answers listener questions.
June 20, 1988 - Luanne Nyberg, Director of Children's Defense Fund in Minnesota, and Dr. Marj Hogan, Medical Director of the Minneapolis Children's Medical Center talk about maternal and child health care.
June 23, 1988 - On this Soundprint program, a profile of August Wilson, one of the most celebrated writers in contemporary American theater. In this portrait of the playwright, August Wilson shows how the rhythms and patterns from the 'sacred book of blues' are transformed into words and movement in his plays.
June 23, 1988 - Skip Humphrey answers listener questions about issues in the 1988 U.S. Senate race.
June 24, 1988 - Will Steger, explorer and environmentalist, talks about his Antarctic team's recent trip to Greenland, in anticipation of the forthcoming expedition to the Antarctic. Steger also answers listener questions.
June 25, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Chuck Sanger, publicity director at Canterbury Downs, discusses the upcoming Canterbury Oaks and St. Paul Derby races. After Sanger interview, Dean Kutz, leading jockey at Canterbury Downs, talks about horse racing.
June 29, 1988 - Freeman Dyson, a physicist at the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, speaking at Macalester College in St. Paul as part of the Wallace Distinguished Visitors Program. Dyson’s address was on the topic “Reflections on the Ecology of Scientific Experiments.” After speech, Dyson answered audience questions. Dyson was a protege of J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of the scientists closely associated with the development of atomic energy. Dyson is a scholar in the fields of nuclear physics, rocket technology, astrophysics and structural engineering. Along with being a physicist, he is the author of the book, "Weapons and Hope", published in 1984 and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award. Dyson's also wrote "Infinite in All Directions.”
July 5, 1988 - Peter Baird, an Arizona lawyer, speaking at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Baird’s address was on the topic "Confessions, Oaths, Spies and Toads.” Speech includes an account of the Miranda case leading to the Miranda ruling which he brought before the Supreme Court of the United States, and efforts involving government spying on churches. Baird was introduced by Carleton College student Mike Granston.
July 5, 1988 - Peter Baird, an Arizona lawyer, speaks at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota as part of Carleton Lecture. Baird’s lecture was on the topic "Confessions, Oaths, Spies and Toads." He gives his account of the Miranda case leading to the Miranda ruling which he brought before the Supreme Court of the United States just out of law school.
July 8, 1988 - Edna Buchanan, author and journalist for the Miami Herald, speaking at Minneapolis conference of investigative reporters. Buchanan’s address was on her experiences as crime reporter for the Miami Herald.