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 30, 1990 - Alan Greenspan, chairman of the Federal Reserve System, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Greenspan’s address was on the topic "Economic Implications of the Mideast Crisis". After speech, Greenspan answered audience questions. Gary Stern, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, introduced Greenspan. 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 3, 1990 - MPR’s Catherine Winter interviews retired Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Peter Popovich, and new Chief Justice Alexander MacDonald "Sandy" Keith. In Popovich interview, topics of the mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices, politics, and the future direction of the Minnesota Supreme Court are discussed. In Keith interview, topics of his unsuccessful run for governor, administrative practices, disproportion of minority incarceration, and the potential future of court are discussed. Following interviews, program presents Keith speaking to a meeting of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
December 4, 1990 - Marcia Lowe, senior researcher associated at the Worldwatch Institute, speaking at conference sponsored by the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota. Lowe’s address was titled " Alternatives to the Automobile: Transport for Livable Cities." After speech, Lowe answers audience questions. Marcia Lowe is the co-author of Worldwatch Institute's "State of the World 1990" report, and other papers including one on "The Bicycle: Vehicle for a Small Planet". After speech, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Cynthia McArthur, director of the Minnesota Community Bicycle Safety Project. McArthur discusses bicycle transportation.
December 11, 1990 - Polish Native and University of Minnesota Journalism Grad Student Przytula and Professor Norma Noonan discuss the recent election in Poland and other Eastern European countries.
December 26, 1990 - On this Midday program, a documentary on Iceland satirical poet Kristjan Niels Julius, followed by an interview with author Barry Lopez.
December 26, 1990 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen profiles Icelandic North Dakota poet Kristjan Niels Julius. Segment includes interviews about the poet and readings of his work.
January 1, 1991 - Philip Levine reads his poems and talks about his work from a lecture given at Saint John's University. The American poet is best known for his poems about working-class Detroit.
January 2, 1991 -
January 3, 1991 - Psychologist Blythe Clinchy talks about the different ways people acquire knowledge. Her recent studies show that women approach learning in a different way from men
January 4, 1991 - Outgoing commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources Joe Alexander takes listener questions today on Midday. Alexander is the longest serving commissioner in the history of the department.