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.
April 20, 1990 - A profile of one of America's most influential environmental writers, Aldo Leopold, who was also an accomplished biologist.
April 21, 1990 - Gaylord Nelson, former Wisconsin U.S. Senator, discusses the founding of first Earth Day 1970.
April 21, 1990 - On this Saturday Midday, Cathy Berg Moeger, supervisor of solid waste program at the Minnesota Office of Waste Management, discusses household recycling and ban of yard waste disposal. Moeger also answers listener questions.
May 5, 1990 - Don Willeke of the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee and Dr. David French, professor of plant pathology and forestry at the University of Minnesota answer questions about the care of trees.
May 12, 1990 - University of Minnesota extension horticulturist Deb Brown answers listener questions about lawns and gardens.
May 15, 1990 - Kevin Boyle, founding director of the London-based organization Article 19, speaking at the University of Minnesota's Human Rights Center, the first lecture in a Forum on Freedom of Expression. Boyle’s address was on the topic “Freedom of Expression in the Developing World.” Boyle is also professor and Chair of Law at the University of Essex, England, as well as Director of the Essex Human Rights Center. Roger Parkinson, the publisher of the Star Tribune, introduced Boyle. Article 19 is an international organization working to promote freedom of expression throughout the world, and it played a leading role in the defense of Salman Rushdie when Iranian leaders threatened to execute him. The Forum on Freedom of Expression was established by the Human Rights Center to provide the University community with access to internationally recognized speakers on the efforts of human rights activists to extend the right to freedom of expression. The Forum will also serve to educate the University community on both domestic and international human rights efforts to protect this important freedom. The Human Rights Center was founded in December 1988 to encourage study, research, curriculum development, practical training, documentation, and outreach on many aspects of international human rights.
May 16, 1990 - Lois Quam, Chair of the Minnesota Health Care Access Commission, and Director of Research for United Health Care, answers listener questions about access to health care and rising health care costs.
May 17, 1990 - Pat Schroeder, Colorado congresswoman (D), speaking at 25th anniversary celebration at Minneapolis Community College. Schroder’s address was on the topic of education, culture, diversity and global politics. After speech, Schroeder answered audience questions. Schroeder is the most senior woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the House Committee on Children, Youth and Families. In 1987 she explored a bid for the presidency, and wrote the book, "Champion of the Great American Family."
May 18, 1990 - Dr. Leonard Haynes, U.S. assistant secretary of postsecondary education, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Haynes’ address was on the topic of educational reform in college athletics. After speech, Haynes answers 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.
May 22, 1990 - Lesley Stahl, chief White House correspondent for CBS News and the moderator of Face the Nation, speaking at annual meeting of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Stahl’s address was titled "Inside the White House." Lesley Stahl joined CBS in 1972 and has reported on five presidents - Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush.