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.
December 8, 1989 - Owen "Brad" Butler, the retired chairman of Procter and Gamble, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Butler’s address was titled "Early Childhood Development: Whose Business Is It?" He talks about the impact of poverty and early education issues on American children. Following speech, Butler 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.
December 11, 1989 - Rozanne Ridgway, former assistant secretary of state for European Affairs, speaking to the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus on the status of women in determining U.S. foreign policy.
December 11, 1989 - Maj Britt Theorin, Swedish disarmament ambassador, speaking to a St. Paul audience about disarmament and economic conversion. Speech was sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers (IBEW), local at Unisys in St. Paul, Jobs with Peace, and the Working Group on Economic Dislocation.
December 12, 1989 - Richard Grasso, president and CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Grasso’s address was on the topic "The Challenges of the 1990s." He talks extensively about the NYSE institution. Following speech, Grasso 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.
December 27, 1989 - A Mainstreet Radio special from southwestern Minnesota town of Madison. MPR’s John Biewen presents a documentary entitled, "We're Not Dying," which highlights how the town survived the 1980’s farm crisis.
December 28, 1989 - A documentary about teenage depression and suicide produced by member stations KLSE and KGAC entitled, "A Cry for Help," followed by a conversation with University of Minnesota child psychiatrist Barry Garfinkel.
December 29, 1989 - St. Paul Mayor George Latimer answers listener questions about his 13 years as mayor of St. Paul.
December 30, 1989 - Futurist Arthur Harkins from the University of Minnesota looks ahead to the new decade.
January 3, 1990 - Jack Weatherford, author of "Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World," answers listener questions about contributions to society by Indian peoples.
January 4, 1990 - Fifth District Congressman Martin Sabo answers listener questions about matters Congress will deal with when it returns to Washington.