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.
August 22, 1991 - Rita Klimova, the Czechoslovakian ambassador to the United States, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Klimova’s address was titled "From Revolution to a Free Economy: What's Next for Czechoslovakia?" She also offered her observations on the failed coup in the Soviet Union. After speech, Klimova 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.
August 24, 1991 - On this special State Fair Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Karal Ann Marling and Jeff Johnson about Minnesota State Fair history and attractions. The two also answer fair audience and listener questions.
August 26, 1991 - During the hour you'll hear a documentary about the 19th Amendment, entitled "A Woman's Place," followed by MPR’s Dan Olson conversation about women's rights on this Women's Suffrage Day with Gloria Griffin, of the Minnesota Women's Consortium; and Phyllis Kahn, a state representative. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson hosted the program from the State Fair.
August 30, 1991 -
August 31, 1991 - From MPR Minnesota State Fair booth, guest host Gary Eichten talks about the pennant race with Twins General Manager Andy McPhail. This is followed with commentary from Howard Sinker, Star Tribune reporter and editor, who answers listener questions about baseball
September 2, 1991 - From MPR Minnesota State Fair booth, Midday's Labor Day guests are Christine Mituzak, Community Service and Education Director at the Minnesota AFL-CIO and Tom O'Connell, Labor Studies Coordinator at Metropolitan State University. They discuss labor movement and labor unions today. This is followed by interviews with Minnesota politician Gerry Sikorski and author Alexs D. Pate.
September 14, 1991 - Call-in show with University of Minnesota entomologist Mark Ascerno.
September 15, 1991 - MPR presents the documentary “Learning the White People Way: A Documentary Essay on the History of Federal Indian Boarding Schools.” It is narrated and co-written by Ted Mahto, a Native American from the Red Lake band of Chippewa in northern Minnesota. Mahto reflects on his experience at boarding schools in Pipestone, Minnesota and Flandreau, South Dakota.
September 18, 1991 -
September 18, 1991 -