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.
December 1, 1992 - William Donaldson, the chairman and CEO of the New York Stock exchange, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Donaldson’s address was on the topic of capitalism, entrepreneurship, and qualities for financial success. Following speech, Donaldson 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.
December 2, 1992 - On this Midday program, a discussion about the challenges facing the two major political parties in Minnesota. MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with two chairs from Minnesota political parties.
December 4, 1992 - Morton Abramowitz, president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Abramowitz’s address was on the topic of foreign policy issues facing new Clinton administration. Following speech, Abramowitz answered audience questions. Abramowitz was U.S. ambassador to both Thailand and Turkey. 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.
December 4, 1992 - Former Governer Al Quie reminisces about Ancher Nelsen, former Minnesota lieutenant governor and an eight-term U.S. congressman.
December 4, 1992 - An interview about war situation in Somalia and future of U.S. troops in the area.
December 5, 1992 - A Midday Christmas music special with Rick Shefchik, music critic for St. Paul Pioneer Press, who reviews various holiday releases for gift-givers and plays some seldom-heard seasonal treasures.
December 9, 1992 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Ron Handberg, formerly of WCCO, about news portrayal in Somalia and of U.S. troops arriving in region.
December 10, 1992 - James Bopp, founder and president of the National Legal Center for the Medically Dependent and Disabled, and general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee, speaking at "Ethics, Euthanasia and the Termination of Medical Treatment" conference, organized by the University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics. Bopp shares his view in addressing the issue of balancing the rights of parents and the interests of patients who are in a persistent vegetative state. He speaks on how hospices help both patient and family.
December 10, 1992 - George Annas, professor of law and medicine at Boston University, speaking at "Ethics, Euthanasia and the Termination of Medical Treatment" conference, organized by the University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics. Annas shares his view on debate of addressing the issue of balancing the rights of parents and the interests of patients who are in a persistent vegetative state. He speaks on patient rights.
December 10, 1992 - Q&A period at "Ethics, Euthanasia and the Termination of Medical Treatment" conference, organized by the University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics. This followed speeches at conference by James Bopp, founder and president of the National Legal Center for the Medically Dependent and Disabled, and general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee; and George Annas, professor of law and medicine at Boston University.