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.
May 29, 1990 - An MPR special documentary report titled, "Spearing on Lakes of Fire", narrated by Chris Tetlin. The report presents fishing debate over Chippewa Indian/U.S. Government treaty in northern Wisconsin. The controversy centers on walleyes, but there's much more at stake than fish.
May 30, 1990 - It is the military service of men that is remembered by most people on Memorial Day. The military service of women doesn't come to mind except to those who have reason to know about their roles over the years. This report is on the voices of women recounting their thoughts on serving in WWII or the Vietnam War.
May 31, 1990 - Robert Kuttner, columnist at the New Republic; Paul Starr, author and professor of sociology at Princeton University; and Debra Stone, author and professor of Law at Brandeis University, take part in panel discussion at Minnesota Meeting. The topic was on “American Prospect.” Kutnner, Starr and Stone exchange ideas and comments with the audience. 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.
June 1, 1990 - Norval Morris, professor of law and criminology at the University of Chicago, speaking at a Phi Beta Kappa Lecture held at University of Minnesota Law School. Morris’s address was titled “The Honest Politician's Guide to Drug Control." He states that America's drug policy is in disarray, and that the war on drugs has failed. After speech, Morris answers audience questions.
June 4, 1990 - Theodore Sizer, professor of education at Brown University and chair of the Coalition of Essential Schools, speaking to an audience of educators at the University of Minnesota. Sizer’s address was on the topic of school reform.
June 4, 1990 - Joyce Epstein, of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools, speaking at Parental Involvement in Public Schools Conference held at the University of Minnesota. Epstein spoke about her research on parental involvement in the schools.
June 5, 1990 - Gail Fosler, chief economist of the Conference Board, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Fosler’s address was on the budget deficit and defense spending. Fosler also speaks on the peace dividend and Gorbachev visit to Minnesota. Following speech, Fosler 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.
June 8, 1990 - MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Bob Meek, DFL political commentator; and Liz Quam, I-R political commentator, at the DFL convention. Topics include the battle between Paul Wellstone, Jim Nichols, and Tom Berg, for the endorsement as Minnesota U.S. Senate DFL candidate; Governor’s race; and I-R convention. Meek and Quam also answer listener questions.
June 9, 1990 -
June 11, 1990 - Le Ly Hayslip, author of the autobiography "When Heaven and Earth Changed Places," speaking at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Hayslip’s address was titled "A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace." She shared a harrowing story of her life as a child and young woman in wartime Vietnam. Hayslip has founded the East Meets West Foundation, to build medical clinics and provide supplies to hospitals and orphanages.