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.
May 11, 1993 - On this Midday program, a conversation with Dr. Kenneth Zapp, expert on the former Yugoslavia and professor of economics at Metropolitan State University. Zapp shares insights on the Bosnia conflict.
May 12, 1993 - Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, reacts to K-12 funding bill.
May 15, 1993 - Minnesota travel writer John Shepard visits MPR studios with some summer vacation ideas. Shepard details areas of state beyond the well-traversed.
May 18, 1993 - Harvey Golub, president and CEO of American Express Company, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Golub’s address was on the topic “Making Change Happen: An Imperative for Business.” Following speech, Golub 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.
May 20, 1993 - U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo shares his thoughts on House Budget Committee efforts in pushing through economic package at the U.S. Capitol.
May 21, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor, about his political reflections and local politics. Topics include his run for mayor, convention outcomes, and endorsements.
May 23, 1993 - Warren Christopher, U.S. secretary of state, speaking at the Ted Mann Concert Hall of the University of Minnesota's School of Music, and sponsored by the University’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Christopher’s address was titled “U.S. Support for Russian Reform: An Investment in America's Security.”
May 24, 1993 - National Public Radio's Susan Stamberg talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about her work at NPR and her new book entitled Talk: NPR's Susan Stamberg Considers All Things. Stamberg also answers listener questions.
May 26, 1993 - Peter Lynch, author and manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund, speaking at a public forum in Minneapolis, sponsored by Dain Bosworth. Lynch’s address was on the topic of strategies for investing and common misconceptions about the stock market. Peter Lynch is the author of two best-selling books, "One Up on Wall Street" and "Beating the Street".
May 29, 1993 - On this Saturday Midday, Dr. Irving Lerner, a St. Paul oncologist discusses cancer, it's prevention and treatment. Lerner also answers listener questions.