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.
July 3, 1992 - Businesswoman Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, speaks about "Profit with Principles" at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She says that corporations must make it a priority to act responsibly and be global-minded.
July 6, 1992 - Hank Todd, director of tourism for the State of Minnesota, discusses tourism in Minnesota, one of the largest business sectors of the Minnesota economy. Todd answers listener questions.
July 9, 1992 - Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Clinton announces his selection of Tennessee Senator Al Gore for his vice-presidential running mate at noon today, in front of the governor's mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas. NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Brian Naylor provided analysis, NPR’s Nina Totenberg prepared a background profile of Senator Gore. Following Clinton announcement, program presents an extended excerpt of the late Eric Sevareid's "farewell address" to the National Press Club, recorded back in 1977. The CBS newsman died on this day at the age of 79. Sevareid was born in North Dakota, and during the 1920's his family moved to Minneapolis, where he graduated from the University of Minnesota. His first job as a reporter was at the old "Minneapolis Journal" when he was only 18 years old. He also worked for the Paris Herald and the United Press. On his first assignment for CBS News in 1940, he got the scoop that France was about to surrender to the Germans. Sevareid worked with legendary CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow and served as the network's chief correspondent. He retired from CBS in 1977.
July 25, 1992 - On this Saturday Midday, Deb Brown, extension horticulturist at University of Minnesota, discusses gardening issues with the cool summer. Brown also answers listener questions.
August 1, 1992 - On this Midday program, Dr. David French, plant pathologist at the University of Minnesota, talks about trees. French is an expert on Dutch Elm disease and Oak Wilt disease and founder of Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee.
August 15, 1992 - On this Saturday Midday, Dr. Susan Erbaugh, director of the Mental Health Clinic at Minneapolis Children's Medical Center, discusses children and family health. Topics include returning to school, divorce, and ADD. Erbaugh also answers listener.
August 27, 1992 - MPR documentary on Aldo Leopold, famed ecologist, and author of “A Sand County Almanac,” one of the most influential environmental books in the 20th century. Profile includes readings of Leopold’s writings by Gene Harrington. Also presents interviews with contemporaries Paul Gruchow and Gaylord Nelson; Curt Meine, Leopold biographer; Charles Bradley of the Leopold Reserve; and Brent Haglund, president of Sand County Foundation. This Minnesota Public Radio documentary was originally produced for Earth Day 1990.
August 29, 1992 - On this Minnesota State Fair Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Sharon Anderson about dog training. Anderson also answers audience and listener questions.
September 2, 1992 - On this special Midday program, MPR’s Bob Potter interviews U.S. Senators Paul Wellstone and Dave Durenberger. Wellstone and Durenberger also answer fairgoer and call-in questions.
September 3, 1992 - On this special Midday program from the Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a collection song, storytelling and controversial art.