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.
April 19, 1989 - An MPR documentary on medical waste followed by an opportunity for listeners to question Dr. Donald Vessley, Director of Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Minnesota, a nationally recognized expert on medical waste disposal and Lisa Thorvig from the air quality division of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
April 26, 1989 - Benjamin Hooks, executive director of the NAACP, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Hooks’ address was on the topic "Unspoken issues of race in American society." After speech, Hooks 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.
May 4, 1989 - Henry Buffalo, special projects attorney for the Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, answers listener questions on current issues facing Indian tribal governments.
May 6, 1989 - Don Willeke, chairman of the Minnesota State Shade Tree Advisory Committee; and Dr. David French, professor of plant pathology and forestry resources at the University of Minnesota, discuss tree diseases, treatments, and tree planting at the start of Arbor Month. Willeke and French also answer listener questions.
May 8, 1989 - Amory Lovins, founder and research director of the Rocky Mountain Institute in Snowmass, Colorado, discusses his organization. Other topics include energy, environment concerns, and renewal. Lovins also answers listener questions.
May 9, 1989 - Part One: A documentary about health advisories regarding fish contamination in Minnesota, and David Gray, chief of Health Risk Assessment for the Minnesota Health Department answering listener questions on the topic. Part Two: Pamela Skoog Perry, nongame wildlife specialist from the Department of Natural Resources office in Brainerd answers listener questions about aquatic wildlife and loons.
May 10, 1989 - Michael Wright, CEO of Supervalu and chairman of the Minnesota Business Partnership and finance commissioner; and Tom Triplett, state finance commissioner of Minnesota, discuss state and local government spending and taxes. Topic of cap on state spending campaign is highlighted. Wright and Triplett also answer listener questions.
May 16, 1989 - Dr. Curt Anderson, professor of economics at the University of Minnesota Duluth, speaking at the Compass Project symposium held at the College of St. Scholastica. Anderson’s address was on results of survey regarding the level and quality of employment in Duluth. The Compass Project surveyed households, key informants or community leaders, human service agencies, and examined reams of existing data, like previous studies and demographics of Duluth. The survey identified four primary areas of concern: employment, housing, financial hardship and health care.
May 16, 1989 - Sister Kathleen Hofer, president of St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, and chairwoman of the Compass committee on physical health care, speaking at the Compass Project symposium held at the College of St. Scholastica. Hofer’s address was on the topic of affordable health care in Duluth. The Compass Project surveyed households, key informants or community leaders, human service agencies, and examined reams of existing data, like previous studies and demographics of Duluth. The survey identified four primary areas of concern: employment, housing, financial hardship and health care.
May 16, 1989 - Steve Chadwick, Duluth Community Action Program executive director, speaking at the Compass Project symposium held at the College of St. Scholastica. Chadwick’s address was on the topic of financial hardship in Duluth. The Compass Project surveyed households, key informants or community leaders, human service agencies, and examined reams of existing data, like previous studies and demographics of Duluth. The survey identified four primary areas of concern: employment, housing, financial hardship and health care.