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.
January 16, 1993 - Dr. Milton Crenshaw, a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Clinic in St. Paul, answers listener questions about dog and cat health care.
January 18, 1993 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports from the State Capital steps as celebrations take place for Martin Luther King Day celebration.
January 18, 1993 - Lucia Wilkes, co-director of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), expresses her concerns on UN and U.S. actions regarding Iraq.
January 25, 1993 - Personal health columnist Jane Brody answers listener questions on health and nutrition.
January 27, 1993 - Roger Moe, Minnesota state senate majority leader; and Curt Johnson, deputy chief of staff for the governor, discuss Governor Arne Carlson’s budget plan. Moe and Johnson also answer listener questions.
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.