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.
December 10, 1988 - New University of Minnesota president Nils Hasselmo speaks and takes listener's calls.
December 12, 1988 - Albert Shanker, president of the American Federation of Teachers, speaking at the Itasca Seminar. The theme of seminar was "Balancing Educational Excellence and Equity in the Public Schools". Shanker stated educators face a daunting challenge, but a challenge that can be met if we looked at the system in new and creative ways. He also shared his view that U.S. schools are turning out 80 percent lemons - students who can't handle routine tasks. He suggested treating schools less like factories that churn out students on an assembly line and more like an office where co-workers cooperate on achievement. Itasca Seminar is a summit for Twin Cities political and business leaders.
December 17, 1988 - Author Paul Gruchow answers listener questions about his new book, "The Necessity of Empty Places".
December 27, 1988 - Barbara Coffin and Lee Pfannmuller from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources talk about their new book "Minnesota's Endangered Flora and Fauna" and take listener's questions.
December 28, 1988 - David Brower, environmentalist and founder of Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth, speaks at Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota as part of the Carleton Lecture series. Brower addressed restoration of earth’s resources. Brower also answers listener questions during break in speech.
December 30, 1988 - Wes Jackson, co-director of The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, speaking at Mankato State University. Jackson’s address was on the topic “The Problem of Agriculture vs Problems in Agriculture: Life in a Fallen World.” Jackson is author of "New Roots for Agriculture" and editor of "Man and the Environment" and "Meeting the Expectations of the Land". In his writing, Jackson has called for "an agriculture that will not destroy human or biological communities, that will minimize soil erosion and reliance on chemicals and fossil fuels, that will preserve the information contained in the genetic codes of plants and animals now threatened with extinction."
January 3, 1989 - Chuck Slocum, Executive Director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, answers listener questions about some of the issues his group will follow in the 1989 legislative session, and the results of a survey on public attitudes toward business.
January 7, 1989 - University of Minnesota cross country ski team coach Ahvo Taipale answers listener questions about cross country technique and equipment.
January 12, 1989 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary on religion in Minnesota, entitled “Articles of Faith.” Highlighted are a Central Minnesota German Catholic community in Pierz-Lastrup, Mennonites in Mountain Lake, a Jewish family in Fergus Falls, and a non-believer who nevertheless attends a small town church.
January 19, 1989 - Nicholas Johnson, one-time member of the Federal Communications Commission, speaks at Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota as part of the Carleton Lecture series. Johnson’s address was on the topic "Who Controls the Media: The Politics of Broadcasting." He traces some of the history of telecommunications and talks about how putting existing technologies together as an important part of change.