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.
October 1, 1990 - Stuart Butler, director of domestic and economic policy studies at the Heritage Foundation, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Butler’s address was on the topic "How to Solve the Health Care Crisis: A Free Market Approach." After speech, Butler answered audience 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.
October 3, 1990 -
October 5, 1990 - Thomas Niles, U.S. ambassador to the European Community, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Niles’ address was titled "The E.C. Meets the Persian Gulf: Europe's Role in the New World Order." After speech, Niles answered audience 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.
October 10, 1990 - Jon Grunseth, I-R candidate for governor; and Rudy Perpich, incumbent DFL governor of Minnesota, speaking to the endorsing convention of the SHOW Minnesota Education Association. Grunseth and Perpich shared their differing views on education issues and answered audience questions. Following debate, program presents a Mainstreet Radio education report.
October 11, 1990 - Midday presents a Mainstreet Radio special broadcast on rural schools…both their problems and successes. John Biewan visits Rothsay, a small western Minnesota town. People in Rothsay say their school, far from being a dinosaur, should serve as a model for education reform.
October 14, 1990 - Rudy Boschwitz and Paul Wellstone debate.
October 17, 1990 - Theologian Martin Marty speaking at Macalester College in St. Paul. He spoke on the topic "Religious Diversity: The Limits and Challenges of Pluralism".
October 19, 1990 - St. Paul writer David Morris speaking in Minneapolis on the savings and loan crisis.
October 22, 1990 - Dr. Abbas Mehdi, native of Iraq and current Assistant Professor of Sociology at St. Cloud State University, broke media anonymity in speaking at St. Cloud State University event. Mehdi’s address was titled, "Saddam Hussein and the Gulf Crisis: Past, Present and Future". Before coming to the United States to study and teach, he worked for seven years in the public sector in Iraq. Until he gave this speech at St. Cloud State, Abbas Mehdi had answered questions from the media only if his anonymity was maintained.
October 23, 1990 - MPR presents a Minnesota Senate debate with Rudy Boschwitz, U.S. Minnesota Senator (I-R); and Paul Wellstone, DFL challenger. The candidates participate in a wide-ranging discussion of the issues. Debate was moderated by MPR’s Bob Potter.