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.
October 30, 1989 - St. Paul mayoral candidates discuss the issues and answer listener questions.
November 1, 1989 - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Joe Alexander answers listener questions about issues related to development, use, and preservation of the state's land, water, timber, fish, wildlife, mineral, and other resources.
November 10, 1989 - Frank Hirschbach, University of Minnesota German professor answers questions about the end of the Berlin Wall era. Includes special reports from the BBC.
November 10, 1989 - East Germany falls, dancing on the Berlin Wall. Reaction to jubilation and discussion of what happens now. Includes BBC report at the beginning. Guest: Frank Hirschbach, professor of German Area Studies with East Germany specialty at the University of Minnesota.
November 13, 1989 - Bill Bradley, D-New Jersey U.S. senator and likely 1992 presidential candidate, speaking at Carlson Lecture Series held in Northrop Auditorium. Bradley’s address was titled "Thoughts on Hubert Humphrey's America.” Bradley talked about revitalizing citizen involvement at each level of political decision-making. Bradley, a Rhodes scholar, Olympic gold medalist and former professional basketball player, was elected to the Senate in 1979 at age 35. He received assignments to the Finance Committee, the Energy Committee and the Special Committee on Aging, and now chairs the Energy Committee's Water and Power Subcommittee and the Finance Committee's International Debt Subcommittee. In 1985 he became a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence.
November 20, 1989 - Dr. Sol Gordon speaking before the Westminster Town Hall Forum about AIDS, sex education, and the community response. Dr. Gordon is a distinguished clinical psychologist and sex educator and a professor emeritus at Syracuse University.
November 21, 1989 - MPR’s Stephen Smith presents "Armed in America," an examination on gun ownership and gun control in the United States, and more specifically, in Minnesota. Program highlights topics of crime, protection and cultural impact of firearms.
December 2, 1989 - Tom Coplin, owner of Coplin Physical Therapy, discusses how to prepare for winter activities; how to avoid winter injuries; and if hurt, what to do. Coplin also answers listener questions.
December 6, 1989 - Archibald Gillies, speaking in Duluth, talks of U.S. policy, end of Cold War, and what the future holds.
December 6, 1989 - Jim Oberstar, Minnesota U.S. congressman (DFL), discusses various political topics, including Soviet Union, El Salvador, and legislative votes.