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.
February 11, 1989 - Dr. Ford Bell, a veterinarian at the university of Minnesota Small Animal Clinic answers listener questions about health care for cats and dogs.
February 13, 1989 - Bill Frenzel, Third District Republican congressman and the ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee, speaking to meeting of the Minnesota International Center. Frenzel’s address was the topic "The Foreign Policy of the New Administration," which included talk on trade matters. Speech included After speech, Frenzel answered audience questions. Frenzel is considered an expert on trade matters and has been Congress' representative to the current round of talks on GATT, the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs.
February 18, 1989 - Veteran sports broadcaster Ray Scott answers listener questions about his years covering the Twins, Vikings and other teams.
February 20, 1989 - George "Pinky" Nelson, one of the astronauts to fly first shuttle mission after Challenger disaster, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Nelson’s address was on the topic, "After the Challenger: Getting NASA Off the Ground Again." After speech, Nelson answered audience questions. Nelson is an Iowa native, but considers Willmar, Minnesota his hometown. 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.
February 21, 1989 - A Soundprint program. Playwright August Wilson is one of the most celebrated writers in contemporary American theater. At one time he was also one of Minnesota's most famous residents. August Wilson lived in St. Paul for more than a decade. It was here that Wilson wrote many of his major plays including two Pulitzer Prize winners.
February 24, 1989 - MPR's Mark Heistad and Tom Meersman present "Poisoned Waters," a documentary about groundwater contamination problems in Minnesota. Documentary contains reports from Lakeland, Northern Township in Beltrami County, New Brighton, and agricultural land in the southeast of state.
February 27, 1989 - Joe Piscatella, author of "Choices for a Healthy Heart" and "Don't Eat Your Heart Out Cookbook", discusses his books and health issues of American habits. Piscatella also answers listener questions about low fat, low sodium cooking and eating.
February 28, 1989 - David Jennings, a newly elected chairman of the Minnesota Independent Republican Party, answers listener questions about new directions for the GOP in Minnesota.
March 2, 1989 - Melvyn Copen, head of the Central American Institute for Business Administration, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Copen’s address was titled "Making Central America a Partner: What U.S. Business Can Do." The topic was on the Central American economy and politics. INCAE is an internationally known post-graduate school of administration based in Central America. Dr. Copen was introduced by Tony Anderson, chair of the Minnesota Meeting. 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.
March 7, 1989 - Dean Abrahamson, professor of public affairs and director of the Global Environmental Policy Project at the Humphrey Institute, discusses the latest developments in the global warming crisis. Topics include CFCs, debate on average temperature rise, climate patterns, and the future consequences. Abrahamson also answers listener questions.