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.
November 6, 1992 - John Frohnmayer, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Frohnmayer’s address was on the topic “Art and the First Amendment.” Following speech, Frohnmayer answered audience questions. Frohnmayer resigned under pressure, in response to a series of political advertisements launched by Pat Buchanan, which criticized some of the artwork funded by the NEA. 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.
November 7, 1992 - Gary Branson, editor of "Family Handyman," discusses various maintenance projects of the home. Branson also answers listener questions.
November 8, 1992 - Mary Frances Berry, U.S. Civil Rights Commissioner, giving inaugural lecture in a new series of Hamline University Lectures on "Creating Community Through Diversity". Berry’s speech was titled "Achieving the American Dream". Berry gained national attention in 1983, when she and several other commissioners on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights were fired by President Reagan for criticizing the President's civil rights policies. Berry successfully sued the government and was reinstated by a Federal District Court. She is a former Assistant Secretary for Education in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and is now a Professor of American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania.
November 9, 1992 - Mickey Kaus, senior editor at The New Republic, speaking recently at Hamline University’s Justice for Everyone lecture series. Theme of this lecture was "Democracy, Diversity and Disparity: The Growing Urban Poor." Kaus is the author of a book called “The End of Equality”. Larry Osness, president of Hamline University, introduced Kaus.
November 9, 1992 - Ronald Walters, professor of political science at Howard University, speaking recently at Hamline University’s Justice for Everyone lecture series. Theme of this lecture was "Democracy, Diversity and Disparity: The Growing Urban Poor." Walters is the author of several books, including "Black Presidential Politics in America", and was a consultant to the Jesse Jackson presidential campaigns. Larry Osness, president of Hamline University, introduced Walters.
November 9, 1992 - Q&A period at "Democracy, Diversity and Disparity: The Growing Urban Poor" lecture held at Hamline University’s Justice for Everyone lecture series. Participants Mickey Kaus, editor of the New Republic; and Ronald Walters, professor of political science at Howard University, answered audience questions after their respective speeches.
November 10, 1992 - As part of a Mainstreet Radio project, Midday broadcasts from Das Wurst Haus in Lanesboro and continues with a panel discussion on the balance of power and how to spend state government dollars. Panelists debate topics on taxes and take listener questions.
November 10, 1992 - As part of a Mainstreet Radio project, Midday broadcasts from Das Wurst Haus in Lanesboro, Minnesota to focus on the changing power in the state. For the first time, a majority of seats at the State Capitol come from metropolitan area.
November 11, 1992 - In honor of Veterans' Day, Midday host Gary Eichten invites veterans to call-in with their reflections on their military service in wartime and in peacetime. Veterans also share what the day means to them.
November 17, 1992 - Kerry Spicer vice-chair of Minnesota Independence Party, discusses future of organization and candidates. Spicer is in D.C. for meetings on a national party.