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.
February 20, 1992 - A Midday broadcast of Journey's End: The Memories and Traditions of Daisy Turner. It is the saga of a black American family as told by an extraordinary member of the family, Daisy Turner.
February 22, 1992 - Dr. Ford Bell, an internist at the University of Minnesota Small Animal Clinic, answers listener questions about dog and cat health care.
February 24, 1992 - In the next hour you'll hear a discussion about biotechnology and genetic engineering: research, new products, potential risks, and regulations. The guests are Dr. Jeffrey Tate of the Minnesota Biotechnology Association and Dr. Jane Rissler of the National Wildlife Federation's Biotechnology Policy Center in Washington D.C. Both have doctorates in the plant sciences.
February 29, 1992 - George Karvel will answer listener questions about housing, real estate, home mortgages, and interest rates. Professor Karvel holds the Minnesota chair in Real Estate at St. Cloud State University.
March 2, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries - Messages from the Grandparents, a look at Cherokee, Winnebago, Pueblo, and Mohawk elders who present oral narratives which provide the basis for community behavior at how oral traditions are passed from one generation to the next; and Cultural Identity, a look at the cultural and social bases for contemporary Indian identity among the Houma, Lumbee, and Yaqui.
March 9, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries…America's Heritage: Preserving Our History, about cultural centers and the new National Museum of the American Indian; and Rebuilding our Nations, a documentary about Native American economic development projects.
March 11, 1992 - Skip Humphrey answers listener questions about crime, consumer protection and other issues
March 16, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries…Education: Learning to Fix Our World, about how Native Americans are taking control of their own educational systems through curriculum design to preservation of language; and A Visit to the Chief Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, Dan Olson's documentary on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation school in Northern Minnesota.
March 18, 1992 - Shri Abid Hussain, India’s ambassador to the United States, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Hussain’s address was on the topic of India trade and investment. Following speech, Hussain answered audience questions. Orville Freeman, former Minnesota governor introduces Hussain. 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.
March 18, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries - Shared Visions: Art, Music and Literature, reflections on cultural continuity by Native American artists, writers, dancers, and musicians; and Traditional Caring: Non-traditional Health Issues, a look at how Native Americans confront contemporary health concerns such as diabetes, alcoholism and AIDS with traditional healing practices.