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.
August 5, 1993 - Irwin Jacobs, a producer of large private boats, describes the negative impact luxury tax had on boat market. Even with luxury tax repeal, Jacobs feels the damage to many in industry has been irreversible.
August 14, 1993 - Sharon Slettehaugh, president of the Midlife Women's Network, and June La Valleur
August 16, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks about his concerns over the ongoing congressional battle on the different approaches over national health reform/mandate. Wellstone details the single-payer plan, which he prefers.
August 17, 1993 - Minnesota's first district Democratic Congressman Tim Penny will be answering listener questions about the budget process, taxes and the deficit, flood relief and more. Congressman Penny is back in Minnesota for the August congressional recess, and announced recently he will not be running for re-election.
August 19, 1993 - Daniel Popeo, a former federal trial attorney and staff assistant to President Richard Nixon; and Ronald Meshbesher, Minneapolis defense attorney, participated in the Charles Lindbergh Memorial Lectures, held at St. Cloud State University. The two debated on the criminal justice system. Debate was titled “Resolved: That the Criminal Justice System in America Favors a Criminal Over the Victim.“ Daniel Popeo argued that the criminal justice system is weighted in favor of those accused of crimes; Ron Meshbesher argued against that view. Following debate, Popeo and Meshbesher answered audience questions.
August 19, 1993 - Suzanna Sherry, an American legal scholar, details the Ian Lundman verdict, in which father of Ian Lundman prevailed. The 11-year-old, a diabetic, died when his Christian Scientist mother and stepfather tried to treat his illness with prayer instead of insulin.
August 21, 1993 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder talks with Deb Brown, horticulturist with the University of Minnesota, about the perennial gardening and lawn ideas.
August 24, 1993 - Generation X author Michael Lee Cohen, stops by the MPR studios to discuss his book, The Twentysomething American Dream. Cohen discusses what he learned from his cross country tour interviewing members of the much maligned post-baby boom generation.
August 25, 1993 - Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser visits the MPR studios to answer questions about his welfare reform proposal. Fraser says unmarried women should not automatically be eligible for welfare just because they have a child. The suggestion has touched off a spirited debate over welfare reform and the family.
August 26, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten hosts U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone live from the Minnesota State Fair. Wellstone answers audience and listener questions on health care, the economy, NAFTA, etc.