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.
February 4, 1991 - Gavriil Popov, the first democratically elected mayor of Moscow, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Popov’s address was on the topic "Freedom and a Free Market in the Soviet Union: Is it Still Possible?" After speech, Popov answered audience questions. Both speech and Q&A session were done through translator. 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.
February 18, 1991 - Contributions to literature
February 20, 1991 - The first part of this reel is a documentary entitled "Children in a Cocaine Cage", which is about what happens as "crack babies" become children. The second part of this reel is Frances Moore Lappe talking about her latest work, "Rediscovering America's Values".
February 23, 1991 - Martin Sampson, professor of political science at University of Minnesota, discusses being on the verge of a land war in the Persian Gulf. Sampson also answers listener questions.
February 26, 1991 - Minnesota writer Paul Gruchow speaking at a major conference about Children tha twas held at St. Mary's College. His speech was entitled "Children of Surfeit, Children of Want."
March 1, 1991 - Rhoda Lewin, author and researcher, speaking at the Minnesota Press Club. Lewin’s address was on the persistent problem of antisemitism and asked the question, "Could you survive a holocaust?” Following address, Lewin answered listener questions. Rhoda Lewin received her B.A. and M.A. in journalism, and her Ph.D. in American Studies, all at the University of Minnesota. Her book "Witnesses to the Holocaust: An Oral History," has been honored by a variety of organizations and publications across the United States. The book relates the stories of 58 Minnesotans who experienced the holocaust.
March 4, 1991 - Midday presents “Who's in charge in the 90s?” documentary series, which focuses on bio-medical issues facing the decade. Part three of series focuses on past Nazi Germany medical atrocities, the U.S. Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and how to keep sound ethics behind modern medical experimentation in the United States by utilizing peer review and informed consent.
March 4, 1991 - Who's in charge in the 1990s? Part two of three.
March 5, 1991 - Arthur Caplan discusses various aspects of medical ethics. Topics include government testing and experimentation on humans. Caplan also answers listener questions.
March 5, 1991 - The last two parts of a documentary series on biomedical ethics called "Who's in Charge in the 90s?" - produced by our Minnesota Public Radio stations in southeastern Minnesota. Part 2: "The Casualties of Cost" and Part 3: "Implications of Solving the Genetic Puzzle."