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 19, 1993 - Howard Sinker, a local sports commenter, provides insight on the Twins pitching staff going into 1993 spring training.
February 22, 1993 - Dr. Beverly Coleman-Miller, president of a public health consulting firm called BCM Group, speaks at the Itasca Seminar, which was sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation. Coleman-Miller’s speech was on the topic and “epidemic” of violence in the United States. Topics include street crime, education, and guns.
February 23, 1993 - Kathryn Sullivan, NASA astronaut, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Sullivan’s address was titled "Looking at Earth: A Personal View from Orbit." Following speech, Sullivan answered audience questions. Sullivan is a veteran of three space flights and is the first U.S. woman to walk in space.
February 27, 1993 - On this Saturday Midday, Catherine Watson, travel editor for the Star Tribune, discusses travel and upcoming summer vacations. Topics include travel style, traveling with others, food, and accommodations. Watson also answer listener questions.
March 4, 1993 - Patricia Aburdene, author and public policy fellow at Radcliffe College, speaks to the Forum on Women in Leadership held at the College of St. Catherine.
March 5, 1993 - Pulitzer prize winner Oscar Hijuelos, a Minnesota murder, a cub reporter from the Daily Planet and other things are presented.
March 8, 1993 - Jacques Andreani, French ambassador, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Andreani’s address was on the topic of French, European and global economy. Following speech, Andreani 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.
March 9, 1993 - On this Midday program, DFL Senator Allan Spear, who is the author of a gay and lesbian human rights bill; and Independent-Republican Senator Tom Neuville, who opposes it, talk and take questions about topic.
March 10, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews a St. Thomas theology professor on the distinction between cults and a legitimate religion. Its part comparison, part study, and part judgment.
March 10, 1993 - Robert Guzy, president of Minnesota Bar Association, comments on Paul Wellstone’s committee judge selections. Both selections are African American.