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 28, 1989 - Elizabeth Dole, U.S. secretary of labor, speaking to the National Conference of Editorial Writers at the St. Paul Hotel. Dole addresses her plans for the Department of Labor. Elizabeth Dole also served the Reagan presidency as Secretary of Transportation. She has had a long career in public service, including posts with the Office of Consumer Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission.
September 28, 1989 - Tom Foley, Washington State U.S. representative and Speaker of the House, speaking to the National Conference of Editorial Writers at the St. Paul Hotel. Foley addresses issues facing the Congress. Tom Foley was elected Speaker after Jim Wright resigned.
October 3, 1989 - Al Checchi, new owner of Northwest Airlines, speaking to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Checchi’s address was on his personal and business values, and the challenges ahead for Northwest Airlines.
October 3, 1989 - Ken Dayton, former chairman and CEO of Dayton Hudson, speaking to a national conference of editorial writers at the St. Paul Hotel. Dayton’s address was on titled "The State of the Arts?” Dayton shares his thoughts on the active arts community and culture in the Twin Cities.
October 10, 1989 - Barry Morrow, a Saint Paul native who won an Academy Award for the screenplay "Rain Man", speaks to the Screenwriters Workshop in Minneapolis about his craft and career.
October 11, 1989 - Barber Conable, president of World Bank, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Conable’s address was titled “Fighting Poverty, Encouraging Growth and Protecting the Environment: The World Bank's Agenda for the 1990s.” Following address, Conable 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 12, 1989 - Maria Isabel Plata, co-founder of the International Women's Rights Action Watch, who is visiting the U.S. from her home in Bogota, Columbia, answers listener questions about efforts to control drug trafficking in her country as well as women's rights issues around the world.
October 23, 1989 - Bill McKibben, author of "The End of Nature," talks about our global environment--the damage already done, and the prospects for the future.
October 24, 1989 - Former Minnesota governor Harold Stassen, the only living signer of the United Nations charter, discusses the United Nations, the book he is writing about President Eisenhower, and other matters.
October 26, 1989 - Dr. Martin Feldstein, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and president of the National Bureau of Economic Research, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Feldstein’s address was on the topic "The Trade Deficit and the Dollar." Following speech, Feldstein answers listener 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.