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 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 - On this Midday, Star Tribune columnist Jim Klobuchar and fellow mountain climber Rod Wilson answer listener questions about their adventures.
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.
February 16, 1988 - Steven Cooper, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, answers listener questions about current human rights issues in Minnesota and the various protected groups. Topics include case backlogs at department, minority population in state, racism, and AIDS.
February 17, 1988 - Maya Angelou speaks at an observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, birthday, addressing an audience at Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota. Angelou also reads her poetry and recounts her experiences.
February 20, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Alan Page, Minnesota assistant state attorney general and former Minnesota Viking, discusses running, his NFL career, challenges of athletes transitioning out of sports, law profession, and his football hall-of-fame induction. Page also answers listener questions.
February 20, 1988 - Weekend’s Bob Potter interviews Charles Norman, director of the Learning Skills Center at Macalester College, who discusses writing, the use of the English language, and origins of words. Norman also answers listener questions.