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.
October 13, 1993 - Thomas Friedman, New York Times correspondent, speaking at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis. Friedman’s address was titled “The Clinton Administration: A Report Card." Friedman also spoke on the peace in middle east, which he believes will be a series of 'grey compromises'. Friedman is author of the book “From Beirut to Jerusalem.”
October 14, 1993 - Midday presents Westminster Town Hall Forum speech by Betty Rollin, author and NBC News correspondent. She wrote the best-selling book “Last Wish” about the suicide of her terminally ill mother.
October 15, 1993 - On this Midday, a discussion on the results from a Citizens Jury that has looked at President Clinton’s health care plan. Guests Bob Meek, president of the Jefferson Center; and Lenny Nelson, custodial engineer at Saint Paul Public Schools, detail the response from jury.
October 15, 1993 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, ethicist in bioethics, explains the push and pull of political, scientific, and monetary support in research of various diseases.
October 16, 1993 - A Midday discussion on mental health policy with guests Kathy Kelso, executive director of Minnesota Mental Health Association; and Catherine Salmon, executive director of West Central Community Services Center in Willmar, Minnesota. Topics include the perception of mental health.
October 18, 1993 - Bob Jobbins, editor of the BBC World Service News, answers questions from a University of Minnesota audience and from MPR listeners about developments in the Middle East, the process of gathering news from all over the world, and the influence of world news organizations like the BBC.
October 19, 1993 - National Press Club speech by famous horror writer Stephen King.
October 19, 1993 - Midday offers interviews with Twin Cities mayoral candidates. In this segment, challenger Norm Coleman, a prosecutor in the office of the Minnesota Attorney General, talks about running for St. Paul mayor’s office. Coleman says he sees himself as a moderate politician and strong proponent of the city.
October 20, 1993 - Sarah DeCosse, attorney with the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, discusses the U.S. actions taken regarding Haiti and the humanitarian issues within the country. DeCosse also answers listener questions.
October 20, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks congressional actions and the non-binding agreement being worked on regarding political and social unrest in Haiti.