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.
January 12, 1991 - As part of congressional debate on the authorization for war in the Persian Gulf, South Dakota’s Democratic Senator Tom Daschle speaks on his view of not authorizing resolution.
January 12, 1991 - As part of congressional debate on the authorization for war in the Persian Gulf, Minnesota's DFL Senator Paul Wellstone speaks on his view of not authorizing resolution. This was Wellstone’s first speech on the Senate floor.
January 12, 1991 - As part of congressional debate on the authorization for war in the Persian Gulf, Iowa Republican Congressman Jim Leach speaks on his view of authorizing resolution.
January 12, 1991 - As part of congressional debate on the authorization for war in the Persian Gulf, Minnesota's 6th District DFL Congressman Gerry Sikorski speaks on his view of not authorizing resolution.
January 26, 1991 - Dr. Ford Bell, an internist at the University of Minnesota Small Animal Clinic, answers listener questions about dog and cat health.
January 30, 1991 - Elie Wiesel, a survivor of World War II concentration camps and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, speaks at Winona State University about the importance of remembering the past.
February 1, 1991 - Rozanne Ridgway, president of the Atlantic Council of the United States and former ambassador and assistant secretary of state, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Ridgway’s address was on the topic "The United States and the New Europe: The Road Ahead." After speech, Ridgway 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.
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 - Midday broadcasts a Radio America piece, entitled “Contributions: African Americans and the American Mosaic.” Program looks at Black 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".