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 20, 1991 - Marian Wright Edelman, president and Founder of the Children's Defense Fund in Washington, D.C., giving commencement address at Hamline University in St. Paul. Edelman’s speech was titled "The Struggle for America's Conscience and Future.” She told the Hamline graduates that we are a morally lost nation, and that we must redefine national security. Marian Wright Edelman is a graduate of Spelman College and the Yale University Law School. In the mid-1960's she was the first black woman admitted to the Mississippi bar; she later directed a regional office of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.
June 20, 1991 - MPR documentary, "Mississippi Myth" explores the history and lore of the Mississippi River.
June 29, 1991 - Minnesota writer John Shepard answers listener questions about places to go and things to see all around the region.
July 6, 1991 - Tomie dePaola, noted children's book author, speaking at Macalester College convocation for the retirement of Professor Patricia Kane. dePaola shares several stories and personal reflections. Tomie dePaola is author/illustrator of over a hundred children’s books, including “Strega Nona,” “Pancakes for Breakfast,” and “Tony’s Bread.”
July 13, 1991 -
July 19, 1991 - Call-in topic: Violence against women in Minnesota and in American culture in general
August 1, 1991 - Robert Pepin answers listener questions about space.
August 10, 1991 - Dr. Ford Bell answers listeners questions about dog and cat health.
August 12, 1991 - Daniel Callahan, the director and co-founder of the Hastings Center for Research and Education in Biomedical Ethics, speaking at a Minneapolis Health Care Technology Symposium sponsored by Group Health Incorporated. Dr. Callahan’s address was on the topic of allocation of health care resources. Following speech, Callahan answered audience questions. Callahan is an elected member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and author and editor of more than 30 books, including "What Kind of Life: The Limits of Medical Progress.”
August 20, 1991 - Professors Theofanis Stavrou and Norma Noonan talk about events in the Soviet Union.