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 25, 1991 - Hedrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, discusses the damaging developments of the soviet economy, and possibility of future loose confederation of the splintering Soviet republics as an economic power. Smith has been a New York Times journalist and foreign correspondent from the Soviet Union and around the world for 26 years. Hedrick Smith has updated his book, "The New Russians", to include several new chapters on the failed Soviet Coup and its aftermath. He is currently a fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
October 25, 1991 - Tobin Barrozo, president of Twin Cities-based Metropolitan State University, speaking at Carlton College's 1991 Asia Convocation. Barrozo’s address was titled "The New Learning Community: A New Object for the Higher Learning." After speech, Barrozo answered audience questions.
October 27, 1991 - Richard Truly, former astronaut and administrator of NASA, speaking at the National Press Club. Following speech, MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Robert Pepin, professor of physics at University of Minnesota. Pepin talks about Truly’s address about the future of the U.S. space program.
October 28, 1991 - On this Midday program, Dan Olson hosts a discussion about gay rights in Minnesota. Guests are Tracy Elftmann, deputy commissioner with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights; Emma Hixson, executive director of the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights; and Larry Meyer, St. Cloud city council member. Guests also answer listener questions.
October 29, 1991 - Midday’s Bob Potter hosts MPR Special Coverage of Twins victory parade. Program includes reports from parade running through downtown St. Paul and preparation of Minneapolis parade and celebration event at Metrodome.
October 29, 1991 - Midday’s Bob Potter hosts MPR Special Coverage of Twins victory celebrations. Program includes reports on parade sites in St. Paul and Minneapolis and preparation of Minneapolis celebration event at Metrodome. Potter also talks with Gary Eichten and Howard Sinker, who are awaiting start of celebration event at Metrodome, about the series and answer listener questions.
October 29, 1991 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Bob Potter reports on the Twins parade celebrating the team’s 1991 World Series win. Program includes Gary Eichten and Howard Sinker at the Metrodome, who answer listener questions.
October 31, 1991 - Audio from 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins visit to the White House. Segment includes speeches by President Bush and Twins owner, Carl Pohlad.
November 1, 1991 - Midday’s Bob Potter talks with reporters from Rochester, Collegeville, and Duluth about the impact of powerful storm that is hitting Minnesota. Karen Wallevand-KLSE/KZSE, Jon McTaggart-KNSR and Marlana Benzie-WSCN report from their respective locations.
November 1, 1991 - MPR’s Tom Meersman interviews a city official on the preparation and current actions being taken in attempt to clear large amount of snow from streets. The city’s planned leaf removal maintenance has been sidelined until maybe next April.