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 23, 1993 - As part of a week long focus on education in Minnesota, Midday hosts a roundtable discussion on expectations for public schools, featuring a parent, a teacher, a major employer, a school board member, and an education expert.
March 24, 1993 - An MPR documentary about the proliferation of weapons in the schools and the tendency of young people to resort to violence as a way of solving problems. MPR reporters Dan Gunderson, Mark Zdechlik, Donna Nicholson and Kate Smith present various viewpoints from students, teachers, police, parents and others.
March 29, 1993 - Richard Moe, author of The Last Full Measure: The Life and Death of the First Minnesota Volunteers, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about his book and the Civil War participants. Moe also answers listener questions.
March 31, 1993 - Tom Sherman, a certified public accountant, is interviewed about tax loopholes and tax shelters.
April 2, 1993 - A look at arts and popular culture:1. Minneapolis playwright Lee Blessing and "Patient A", play about AIDS victim Kimberly Bergalis2. A chat with trendwatcher Vickie Abrahamson3. Stephen Sommers, director of Walt Disney film The Adventures of Huck Finn 4. Art critic Patrice Koelsch, are critics too reticent? 5. Art critic Dan Sullivan, are Minnesotans too nice? 6. Black teens with video artist Daniel Bergin 7. Computer Music minus one on play-along records 8. Commentator Susan Berkson on spring ritual of getting married
April 6, 1993 - Howard Sinker, local sports commentator, gives his take on Minnesota Twins chances as the 1993 MLB Opening Day commences.
April 7, 1993 - Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Sandra Gardebring visits the MPR studios to talk about juvenile crime. Justice Gardebring chairs the Minnesota Supreme Court's Advisory Task Force on the juvenile justice system.
April 10, 1993 - On this Saturday Midday, Chet Meyers, author and fishing enthusiast, discusses fishing techniques and equipment. Meyers also answers listener questions.On this Saturday Midday, Chet Meyers, author and fishing enthusiast, discusses fishing techniques and equipment. Meyers also answers listener questions.
April 12, 1993 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from the Grand Casino Mille Lacs near Garrison, Minnesota. First hour of program highlights American Indian casinos…what some term as the ‘New Buffalo.’ MPR’s Catherine Winter interviews Leonard Prescott, chairman of Little Six Inc.; Charlie Berg, state senator and chair of Minnesota Senate Gaming Regulation Committee; Bernita Churchill, elected legislative official for Mille Lacs Tribe; and Doug Twait, commissioner of public affairs for Chippewa Tribe. Group discusses benefits, concerns, and issues of gambling in Minnesota.
April 12, 1993 - Continuation of a Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from the Grand Casino Mille Lacs near Garrison, Minnesota highlighting American Indian casinos…what some term as the ‘New Buffalo.’ In this second hour of program, MPR’s Catherine Winter interviews Leonard Prescott, chairman of Little Six Inc.; Charlie Berg, state senator and chair of Minnesota Senate Gaming Regulation Committee; Bernita Churchill, elected legislative official for Mille Lacs Tribe; and Doug Twait, commission of public affairs for Chippewa Tribe. Group discusses benefits, concerns, issues of gambling in Minnesota, and answer listener questions.