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 25, 1993 - Lynne Cheney, fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, speaking to the Minnesota Association of Scholars. Cheney’s speech was titled, "Telling the Truth About the Politicized University." Address was on the topic of political correctness and free speech on college campuses. Lynne Cheney authored an NEH report on the same subject. Lynne Cheney was the former Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
June 25, 1993 - U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo comments on House Budget Committee efforts and possible result of completing a joint budget bill in D.C. legislation.
July 2, 1993 - Chuck Ruhr, owner of a Minneapolis ad agency, reflects on the Aug. 13, 1973 Time magazine promoting the state. The issue included a cover shot ("The good life in Minnesota") and six-page spread to Minnesota ("A state that works").
July 5, 1993 - An MPR documentary called "The Voice of Meridel Le Sueur" followed by a reading of Le Sueur's essay, "I Was Marching."
July 5, 1993 - At halfway point of 1993 MLB season, local sports commentator sees the Minnesota Twins season going nowhere…except last place.
July 6, 1993 - Dave Nimmer, former reporter for the Minneapolis Star and WCCO-TV and a journalism teacher at the University of St. Thomas, answers listener questions about print and broadcast media. The topic of negative public perceptions of media and the growing competition is the focus of program.
July 9, 1993 - Richard Kagan, director of East Asian Studies at Hamline University, discusses political issues of the region. Kagan talks on the changes the Clinton Administration has made in Asian international policy from the previous Bush administration. Kagan also answers listener questions.
July 10, 1993 - Dr. Susan Erbaugh, Director of the Mental Health Clinic at Minneapolis Children's Medical Center, answers listener questions about children and families.
July 12, 1993 - Minnesota Transportation Commissioner James Denn answers listener questions about the 35W controversy, highway construction, light rail, proposed gas tax increases.
July 13, 1993 - University of Minnesota President Nils Hasselmo is studio guest for a call-in program about major issues facing the University, including the on-going debate over the University Medical School, the University's plan for a controversial new heating plant on the Mississippi, and the decision to expand the Crookston campus into a four year institution.