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.
September 23, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Gold: New Prospects on the Iron Range.” The documentary focuses on the search for gold in the Iron Range and the effect one Canadian gold mine has had on community life. Following the documentary, Bill Brice, director of mineral division at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, answers listener questions.
September 24, 1988 - Joanne Slavin answers listener questions about healthful eating.
September 28, 1988 - As part of the Carlson Lecture Series, Midday broadcasts William F. Buckley Jr., an American conservative author and commentator, speaking at University of Minnesota’s Northrop Auditorium. Buckley Jr.’s speech is titled "Reflections on Current Contentions." After speech, Buckley Jr. answers audience questions.
September 30, 1988 - Richard Hutton, creator and executive editor of numerous science documentaries, and George Page, director of science and natural history for WNET programming and documentary narrator, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Hutton and Page present and discuss the PBS program "The Mind: What It Means to Be Human." They also answer questions from audience. 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.
October 1, 1988 - Dr. Robert Pepin, University of Minnesota physicist and NASA consultant, answers listener questions about the United States space program and the resumption of manned space shuttle operations.
October 7, 1988 - Mitch Snyder, homeless advocate, speaking in Moorhead at the 4th annual Faith, Reason and World Affairs Symposium "Homeless in America" at Concordia College. Snyder addressed the topic "Who Are the Homeless and Why Are They Homeless?" After speech, Snyder answered listener questions.
October 17, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Migrant Farm Workers.” The documentary profiles migrant farm workers in St. James who came to Minnesota, and wound up staying here. Following the documentary, Jose Trejo, executive director of the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council, answers listener questions about issues facing Hispanics in Minnesota.
October 19, 1988 - Robert Carothers, Chancellor of the State University System, answers listener questions about the system's role in Minnesota's public higher education.
October 21, 1988 - Benjamin Barber, political scientist at Rutgers University, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Barber’s address was on the topic "Politics as a Spectator Sport: Is Voting Enough in Our Democracy?" After speech, Barber 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.
October 25, 1988 - Second debate between Senator Dave Durenberger and Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey who are vying for the Senate seat in the November election.