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.
June 2, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone visits the MPR studios to talk health care and answer listener questions. Wellstone advocates for a single-payer healthcare system as a universal healthcare model.
June 3, 1993 - Don Fraser, mayor of Minneapolis, details his efforts to get businesses to hire teenagers as part of a summer jobs program.
June 7, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy summarizes report released by Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey about a political scandal that occurred when it was discovered that state legislators and staff were using taxpayer-funded toll-free phone lines for personal use.
June 8, 1993 - Dr. Carol Eagle, head of Child and Adolescent Psychology at Montefiore in New York, discusses self-esteem issues of adolescent girls. Topics include scientific study, parental impact, physical changes, and societal influences. Eagle also answers listener questions.
June 11, 1993 - With the renewed interest in dinosaurs upon the release of book/film “Jurassic Park,” Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with studio guest Robert Sloan, a professor of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Minnesota. Sloan has researched dinosaurs for many years and talks about the causes of their evolution & extinction.
June 11, 1993 - Political commentary from Tom Horner on Independent Republicans chairman selection and Bob Meek on the fight for DFL endorsement amongst Minneapolis mayor candidates.
June 12, 1993 - On this Saturday Midday, Ann Graves, the director of a counseling service for business and industry at the University of St. Thomas; and Bill Hudson, instructor at North Hennepin Community College, discusses workplace communication, conflicts and management. Job expectations, difficult people, and relations with a boss are highlighted. Graves and Hudson also answer listener questions.
June 15, 1993 - A chance to question to the leaders of Minnesota's two major political parties. the studio guests will be Rick Stafford, the newly elected DFL and the Chair of the Independent Republican Party.
June 22, 1993 - A Midday interview with St. Paul Mayor Jim Scheibel about National Urban Peace and Justice Summit to address gang violence in the community. Summit is being held at Mount Olivet Baptist, in St. Paul.
June 24, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on his potential vote choice on bill addressing federal budget. While he supports the tax piece, Wellstone shares his concern over what it does to Medicare.