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 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 - Midday program presents two documentaries - 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; and Religious Freedom in America: A Question of Faith, a look at the legal challenges confronting Native Americans in preserving their religious heritage.
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 - Midday presents a keynote speech by playwright August Wilson, entitled "Odyssey of an African in America," for the Minnesota Alumni Association annual meeting. In speech, Wilson comments on his appreciation for St. Paul, his former home.
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.
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.
May 6, 1992 - A panel discussion on the new international newspaper “We”, hosted at Minnesota Meeting. Panelists include Edward Hughes, publisher at Hearst in New York; Maxwell McCrohon, U.S. editor of We; and Sergei Dardykin, deputy international editor of Izvestia, who will also be the chief of We's Russian staff in Washington. Don Shelby of WCCO-TV is moderator. “We” is published for the Commonwealth of Independent States, a joint venture between Hearst Newspapers and Izvestia. 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.