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 21, 1989 - On this pledge drive edition of Midday, a re-broadcast of the documentary, “August Wilson's Sacred Book.” Following piece, a call-in with Sheila Rose Bland, a New Orleans native, playwright, director and actor.
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.
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.