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.
February 5, 1993 - On this First Friday program, a collection of stories including Stepin Fetchet, trend-watching, can poetry matter?, barn poetry, stress of racism, who music serves, snowboarding terms, “Thank You, M’am,” and minor league baseball stadiums.
February 8, 1993 - Mary Mauler, director of Regional Affairs at Social Security Administration, explains when one needs to pay social security taxes for wages on work done.
February 9, 1993 - Television journalist Bill Moyers joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the MPR studio to talk about his new book, Healing and the Mind. In developing the book, Moyers spoke with world experts and lay people about the science, philosophy and folklore of sickness and health.
February 9, 1993 - An interview about the benefits of tax indexing to taxpayers.
February 10, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Don Fraser, Minneapolis mayor and president of National League of Cities, on the day of his last "State of the City" address. He discusses a whole range of concerns facing the city, reflects on his 13 years as mayor, and shares his hopes and plans for the future.
February 11, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone visits the MPR studios to answer listener questions about current issues before the Congress. After returning from a congressional fact-finding trip to look at businesses located just over the border in Mexico, Wellstone discusses the pending North American Free Trade Agreement, among other things.
February 12, 1993 - An interview on President Clinton’s tax proposal and how corporate tax hike will affect economy.
February 15, 1993 - Former St. Paul mayor George Latimer visits the MPR studios to discuss his new role as a consultant to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros. Latimer also answers listener questions.
February 18, 1993 - U.S. Senator David Durenberger participates in a call-in program from Washington, D.C. Durenberger responds to President Clinton's State of the Union address and answer questions from MPR listeners on the whole range of issues currently before Congress.
February 18, 1993 - MPR’s Bill Catlin provides a summary on controversy over forced resignation of Dr. John Najarian at University of Minnesota and reactions of others at UMN Medical School.