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.
March 8, 1989 - Bill Rathje, archaeologist from the University of Arizona in Tucson, speaking at National Recycling Coalition conference held in St. Paul. Rathje’s address was titled "What Our Landfills Say About Us." After speech, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Cathy Berg Moeger, environmental planner and pollution control specialist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Moeger answers listener questions about recycling efforts in Minnesota. The 7th National Recycling Congress was held in St. Paul on September 27, 1988.
March 9, 1989 - Social worker Barbara Amram from Family Focus Center and Louise Brown from Family and Children's Service, answer listener questions about programs for emotionally disturbed children, and pending state legislation--the Children's Mental Health Initiative.
March 11, 1989 - Misti Snow, editor of the Star Tribune "Mindworks" series, discusses what today's kids are thinking. Snow also answers listener questions. “Mindworks” is a Star Tribune program in students were asked for their insights on a different topic every month of the school year.
March 17, 1989 - Charles Curran, theologian and ordained Roman Catholic priest, speaking in the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota. Curran’s address was on the tensions that exist between theology and academic freedom. Curran came under fire from Vatican officials for his views on abortion, homosexuality and other matters of sexuality.
March 17, 1989 - Pelagie “Mike” Snesrud, director of Public Health Nursing at the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior near Cloquet, speaking at “The Health of Indian Health Care” symposium at College of St. Scholastica. Snesrud discusses the role of the federal Indian Health Service, or IHS, and tribal government in meeting Indian health needs.
March 17, 1989 - Dr. Kathleen Annette, acting Chief Medical Officer for the Bemidji, Minnesota regional office of the Indian Health Service, speaking at “The Health of Indian Health Care” symposium at College of St. Scholastica. Annette discusses the many health and social challenges of Indian community. Dr. Annette is a family practice physician and graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School. She previously held the post of Clinical Director at the Leech Lake Medical Facility and is on the board of the National Association of Native American Physicians.
March 17, 1989 - Eleanor Robertson, RN and acting director of the Bemidji region of the Indian Health Service, speaking at “The Health of Indian Health Care” symposium at College of St. Scholastica. Robertson discusses problems facing her agency, especially as it works on its first budget under the Bush administration.
March 18, 1989 - Joe Nathan, director of Center for School Change, discusses school choice in the public education system. Nathan also answers listener questions. Nathan is the author of "Public Schools by Choice: Expanding Opportunities for Parents Students and Teachers."
March 21, 1989 - Bruce McCandless, astronaut and mission specialist for the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, speaking at Moorhead State University. After speech, McCandless answered audience questions, including unmanned launches, how universities can participate in space experiments, and if NASA still has extended exposure platform in space.
March 23, 1989 - Minneapolis businessman, Harvey MacKay, whose best-selling book "How to Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive" has just come out in paperback, answers listener questions about how to succeed in business.