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.
March 11, 1993 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale shares his thoughts on the early days of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s administration.
March 11, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Pat Forciea, North Stars vice president, about the team’s imminent move from Minnesota to Dallas, Texas.
March 12, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Dorothy McIntyre and Skip Peltier, both officials of the School Highschool League; and Louis Boone, coach and teacher at Ramsey Junior High, on the role of athletics in high school. Topics include financing, intermural sports, girls’ sports, amateur athletics, and eligibility.
March 13, 1993 - On this Saturday Midday, Kent Malcolmson, physical therapist for the Minnesota North Stars, discusses and defines sports medicine. Malcolmson also answers listener questions.
March 15, 1993 - Minnesota State Senator Duane Benson comments on debate at State Capitol over Minnesota health coverage reforms.
March 17, 1993 - Dan Salomone, executive director of Minnesota Taxpayers Association, responds to efforts at State Capitol to raise state taxes. Salomone argues that Minnesota is already a high tax state, and more taxes on higher incomes will hurt local economy.
March 20, 1993 - Syndicated real estate columnist Edith Lank. She answers listener questions on buying and selling homes, mortgage interest rates, and tax implications.
March 22, 1993 - Midday presents an MPR documentary entitled School Days, followed by a discussion on education with Linda Powell, superintendent of the Robbinsdale School District; Vernae Hasbargen, president of the Rural Education Association; and Dale Lange, associate dean of the University of Minnesota College of Education.
March 22, 1993 - A collection of news reports and interviews on this hour of Midday.
March 22, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Lois Quam about plan being developed regarding national health care situation. Quam serves on the Clinton administration's health reform task force.