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.
April 9, 1992 - Q&A period from " Islamic Culture and the West " discussion, as part of the 1992 Peace Prize Forum “Striving for Peace: Resolving Cultural Conflicts," held at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Participants Camelia Sadat, president of the Sadat Peace Institute; and Robin Wright, correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, answered audience questions after their respective speeches.
April 10, 1992 - On this Midday program, a broadcast of speech by Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, titled "The Renewed Threat of Fanaticism." The speech was given at the 1992 Peace Prize Forum held at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
April 11, 1992 - MPR’s Bob Potter talks with sports commentator Howard Sinker about baseball on the Twins home opener weekend. Sinker also answer listener questions.
April 13, 1992 - The final installment of the series "Spirits of the Present: The Legacy from Native America." In the first half hour, we'll heard "The Indian in the Global Mind," an examination of global views of Native Americans, including common stereotypes and the use of Indian cultures as mascots for sports teams. A little later in the hour, we'll hear "Religious Freedom," a look at the legal challenges confronting Native Americans in preserving their religious heritage.Spirits of the Present: The Legacy from Native America - a documentary series from field recordings which examines the diverse cultures of Native America. They examine the life of today's Indians; their wisdom and humor, art and music, economics, and education, religion and politics.13 half-hour programs produced by the Native American Public Broadcasting Consortium and Radio Smithsonian, broadcast on 410 stations in North America. This documentary series about Native American history and culture looks at the life of today's Indians."The Indian in the Global Mind" - The global fascination with Indians, including the use of Indian mascots for non-Indian sports teams. - Produced by Peggy Berryhill (3/25/1992)"Religious Freedom" - A look at the legal challenges faced by Native Americans in their efforts to maintain religious freedom. - Produced by Peggy Berryhill (3/18/1992)
April 18, 1992 - As Ramadan concludes and the weekend marks Passover and Easter, Midday guest Clark Morphew, religious writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, answers listener questions about current issues in religion.
April 21, 1992 - A keynote speech by playwright August Wilson called "Odyssey of an African in America" for the Minnesota Alumni Association annual meeting.His Pulitzer Prize winning "The Piano Lesson" is running at the World Theater in St. Paul.
April 25, 1992 - MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Minnesota travel writer John Shepard about places to vacation in Minnesota and takes calls from listeners. Shepard wrote the book "Minnesota: Off the Beaten Path."
May 2, 1992 - On this Saturday Midday, Chet Meyers, author and fishing enthusiast, discusses upcoming fishing opener. Topics include cold water temperatures, wind, and fishing tips. Meyers also answers listener questions.
May 5, 1992 - Black poet Nikki Giovanni addressees a group of college students at the University of Minnesota on the subject of the violence in Los Angeles after the verdict of the Rodney King case.
May 5, 1992 - Reverend Richard Coleman addressed his parishioners at Saint Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Minneapolis on the subject of the violence in Los Angeles after the verdict of the Rodney King case.