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 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.
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.