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.
June 18, 1990 - A speech given by one of the nation's preeminent civil rights leaders, James Farmer. He is considered one of the "Big Four" of the civil rights movement along with Roy Wilkins, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Whitney Young. This is the 1990 Putnam Lecture in Social Ethics at Hamline University in St. Paul.
June 19, 1990 - Douglas Wilder, governor of Virginia, speaking at the Carlson Lecture Series at held Northrop Auditorium. Wilder's address was on the topic " The National Political Terrain: Focusing on 1992."
June 20, 1990 - A presentation of the MPR documentary "Season of Discontent: Migrants in the Red River Valley," which highlights Hispanic migrant farm workers who work the sugar beet fields. Following documentary, Stephen Cooper, Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner, discusses the issues migrant workers face in the state.
June 20, 1990 - This Midday program begins with an MPR documentary "Season of Discontent: Migrants in the Red River Valley", about migrant farm workers in the sugar beet fields of northwestern Minnesota, and relations between the workers and year-round residents. Reporters Dan Gunderson and John Biewen produced the half-hour documentary. Afterwards Midday host Bob Potter talks with Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Cooper.
June 25, 1990 - Charles Inlander, founder of the People's Medical Society and public radio health commentator, call-in show.
June 30, 1990 - Poet, author, playwright, actress and civil rights activist Maya Angelou speaks at the third Nancy Hank Lecture on Arts and Public Policy. Angelou’s address is on the importance of art.
July 4, 1990 - Benjamin Barber, American political theorist, speaking at a G. Theodore Mitau Lecture at Macalester College in St. Paul. Barber’s address is on the topic “How Democratic is the Constitution?”
July 9, 1990 - On this hour of Midday, Michael Steinberg, artistic director of the Minnesota Orchestra Sommerfest; and his wife Jorja Fleezanis, a concertmaster, take listener's questions about Sommerfest in Minneapolis.
July 10, 1990 - Barry Commoner, author, environmentalist, and director of the Center for Biology of Natural Systems, speaking at an environmental conference sponsored by Clean Water Action in St. Paul. Commoner told his audience of environmental activists that during the past 20 years, pollution control has been a total failure, and stated that society must challenge corporations to do business in an environmentally responsible way.
July 13, 1990 - Mikhail Gorbachev, president of the Soviet Union, speaking with leaders in business and agriculture at the Radisson Hotel in Minneapolis. Following speech, Gorbachev answered audience questions. (Gorbachev’s speech and answers were translated) Dwayne Andreas, CEO of Archer Daniels Midland Company, chaired the meeting and introduced President Gorbachev. The meeting at the Radisson Hotel was part of Gorbachev’s one-day visit to the Twin Cities on June 3rd.