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.
June 13, 1995 - Hedrick Smith, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, speaking at the Minnesota Business Roundtable held in Minneapolis. Smith’s address was on the topic of connection between business and the educational system. Smith has produced a PBS documentary “Challenge to America,” and book is titled "Re-Thinking America: A New Game Plan from the American Innovators: Schools, Business, People, and Work." After speech, program presents a brief NPR report on teacher potentially being fired for using books with gay characters in her English class.
June 15, 1995 - Alan Blinder, vice chair of the Federal Reserve, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Blinder’s address was titled, “The U.S. Economy: How Long Will Growth Continue?” Following speech, Blinder 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.
June 17, 1995 -
June 20, 1995 - Chris Georgacas, Independent Republican state party chair, provides commentary into the IR candidate field that will potentially run against incumbent U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone.
June 20, 1995 - A call-in program with Jean Keffeler, the Chair of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.
June 21, 1995 - A special Mainstreet Radio broadcast From the Chuckwagon in Cleveland, Minnesota. Host Mark Steil presents a report and panel discussion about controversy over large hog production. It’s a battle between efficiency and economical supply vs. concerns over environmental impact to rural residents and economic hardships to small farms.
June 27, 1995 - Robert Pepin, professor of physics and astronomy at University of Minnesota, discusses the U.S. space program, Atlantis space shuttle launch, and new developments in space and astronomy. Pepin also answers listener questions.
June 28, 1995 - A Midday call-in program about Japan with Jerry Fisher, professor of history and communication studies at Macalester College. The topic is foreign trade as the U.S. and Japan recently reached an agreement enlarging Japan's market for American cars and car parts.
June 28, 1995 - Joe Nathan, director of Center for School Change at University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute, comments on consolidation of some state agencies into newly created Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
June 30, 1995 - Abigail Thernstrom, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, speaking to forum held at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. Topic of forum was, "The American Community: Implications for Social Policy," and examined the role of government in building a sense of community, and how political parties and the political process affect community. Thernstrom presents her views on subject.