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.
November 11, 1989 - Midday’s Bob Potter talks with Bill Kling, president of Minnesota Public Radio, about the KSJN-AM call letters change to KNOW and the further development of community news coverage. Kling also answers listener questions.
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.
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.