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 22, 1992 - Spiraling costs of long term care and the impact on the state budget. Estelle Brouwer is a Research Fellow at the Humphrey Institute and State Rep. Lee Greenfield belongs to the House Human Resources Finance Division.
December 30, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Jim Walsh, local songwriter and music editor at City Pages, about Minnesota rockers that made a national impact in 1992. Walsh notes bands such as Soul Asylum, The Jayhawks, Sugar, and Cows.
January 2, 1993 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Jim Wishner chats with University of Minnesota futurist Arthur Harkins about discuss trends for the mid-to-late 1990s...and beyond. Harkins also answers listener questions.
January 6, 1993 - Bernard Brommer, president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), discusses issues of concern to organized labor…including contract concessions, apprenticeship programs, and state budget problems.
January 11, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews John Marty, state senator from District 54, about his ethics bill he is proposing at the State Capitol.
January 16, 1993 - Dr. Milton Crenshaw, a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Clinic in St. Paul, answers listener questions about dog and cat health care.
January 18, 1993 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports from the State Capital steps as celebrations take place for Martin Luther King Day celebration.
January 18, 1993 - Lucia Wilkes, co-director of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), expresses her concerns on UN and U.S. actions regarding Iraq.
January 25, 1993 - Personal health columnist Jane Brody answers listener questions on health and nutrition.
January 27, 1993 - Roger Moe, Minnesota state senate majority leader; and Curt Johnson, deputy chief of staff for the governor, discuss Governor Arne Carlson’s budget plan. Moe and Johnson also answer listener questions.