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.
September 4, 1992 - Garrison Keillor hosts a special broadcast at the MPR State Fair booth. Keillor presents quite a collection of Minnesota poets.
September 18, 1992 - Zhu Qizhen, Chinese ambassador to the United States, speaking at Minnesota Meeting in downtown Minneapolis. Qizhen’s address was titled, “The Future of U.S.-Chinese Relations and Economic Reform in China.” Following speech, Qizhen 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.
September 21, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend & John Biewen present the documentary “No Jews Allowed.” In the 1930s and 1940s, Minneapolis enjoyed the dubious distinction of being one of the most anti-Semitic cities in America.
September 21, 1992 - A discussion of the documentary "No Jews Allowed" with guests Morton Ryweck, former director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/Anti-Defamation League, and Marilyn Chiat of the University of Minnesota History Department
September 24, 1992 - Atallah Shabazz, eldest daughter of the late Malcolm X gives a Westminster Town Hall Forum speech entitled "Malcolm X: The Man, The Purpose and The Destiny."
September 30, 1992 - George H.W. Bush speaking on the presidential campaign trail in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Bush speaks on crime and accepts endorsement from Wisconsin law enforcement groups.
October 2, 1992 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Minnesota talks about how money centers around health care system, insurance, and research. Caplan also answers listener questions.
October 3, 1992 - On this Saturday version of Midday, Dr. George Karvel, director of the Real Estate Research Center at St. Cloud State University, answers listeners questions about mortgages, real estate, etc.
October 8, 1992 - Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson visits Midday program for the first time. Carlson discusses the state budget struggles, taxes, statewide response to crime issues/gangs, and education, amongst other topics. Carlson also answers listener questions.
October 14, 1992 - Linda Chavez, former staff director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights under President Reagan and a fellow at the Manhattan Institute; and Angela Davis, author and professor at the University of California-Santa Cruz, speaking recently at Hamline University’s Justice for Everyone lecture series. Both addresses are on the question, "Justice for Whom?" Larry Osness, president of Hamline University, introduces speakers.