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.
March 17, 1993 - Dan Salomone, executive director of Minnesota Taxpayers Association, responds to efforts at State Capitol to raise state taxes. Salomone argues that Minnesota is already a high tax state, and more taxes on higher incomes will hurt local economy.
March 20, 1993 - Syndicated real estate columnist Edith Lank. She answers listener questions on buying and selling homes, mortgage interest rates, and tax implications.
March 22, 1993 - Midday presents an MPR documentary entitled School Days, followed by a discussion on education with Linda Powell, superintendent of the Robbinsdale School District; Vernae Hasbargen, president of the Rural Education Association; and Dale Lange, associate dean of the University of Minnesota College of Education.
March 22, 1993 - A collection of news reports and interviews on this hour of Midday.
March 22, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Lois Quam about plan being developed regarding national health care situation. Quam serves on the Clinton administration's health reform task force.
March 23, 1993 - As part of a week long focus on education in Minnesota, Midday hosts a roundtable discussion on expectations for public schools, featuring a parent, a teacher, a major employer, a school board member, and an education expert.
March 24, 1993 - An MPR documentary about the proliferation of weapons in the schools and the tendency of young people to resort to violence as a way of solving problems. MPR reporters Dan Gunderson, Mark Zdechlik, Donna Nicholson and Kate Smith present various viewpoints from students, teachers, police, parents and others.
March 29, 1993 - Richard Moe, author of The Last Full Measure: The Life and Death of the First Minnesota Volunteers, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about his book and the Civil War participants. Moe also answers listener questions.
March 31, 1993 - Tom Sherman, a certified public accountant, is interviewed about tax loopholes and tax shelters.
April 2, 1993 - On this First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents story and interview collection that includes: Minneapolis playwright Lee Blessing and Patient A, a play about AIDS victim Kimberly Bergalis; a chat with trendwatcher Vickie Abrahamson; Stephen Sommers, director of Walt Disney film The Adventures of Huck Finn; art critic Patrice Koelsch…are critics too reticent?; art critic Dan Sullivan…are Minnesotans too nice?; Black teens with video artist Daniel Bergin; computer music minus one on play-along records; commentator Susan Berkson on spring ritual of getting married.