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 10, 1989 - Barry Morrow, a St. 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. MPR’s environmental reporter Tom Meersman joins the conversation.
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.
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.