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 11, 1992 - An MPR report, titled "Fighting for Family," brings an inside look at family preservation and at one family's struggle to stay together. What is the cost of keeping a troubled family together compared to the cost of splitting up the family? There are hundreds of thousands of children in this country living in foster homes away from their parents. Foster care has been part of the formula used to "fix" troubled families since the turn of the century. But is it the best method? Is it cost effective? What is the emotional price paid by family members forced to live apart from each other? These are questions being asked by social workers, judges and elected officials who must apportion money to pay for solutions to the growing number of neglect and abuse cases being reported each year. As an alternative to foster care, some people in the child welfare system are raising the banner for what is called family preservation. Its advocates say that family preservation holds great promise for families who want to remain together and work out their problems. Program is narrated by Vertamae Grosvenor Received First Place, National Sigma Delta Chi Award: Public Service category.
December 17, 1992 - Larry Perlman, Chairman, President and CEO of Ceridian Corporation returns from participating in the Clinton Economic Summit.
December 18, 1992 - Art Rolnick, director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis talks about new banking regulations that some claim could cause a saving and loan-type banking collapse. He also talks about the controversy over the Northwest Airlines financial problems.
December 18, 1992 - Jim Miller, deputy commissioner at Minnesota Commerce Department, explains the new regulations for banking industry on all federally insured banks, including rules on under-capitalization.
December 21, 1992 - Minnesota Public Service Commissioner Kris Sanda talks about her view on Hazel O'Leary being named to head U.S. Department of Energy.
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.