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 20, 1993 - Midday offers interviews with Twin Cities mayoral candidates. In this segment, incumbent St. Paul Mayor Andy Dawkins describes himself and what he sees as needs of the city, including stopping flight to the suburbs.
October 21, 1993 - Arnaud de Borchgrave, senior advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former chief foreign correspondent for Newsweek magazine, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. De Borchgrave’s address was titled, "The New World Disorder: Truth or Consequences?” Following speech, De Borchgrave answered audience questions. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
October 21, 1993 - Steven Schier, a professor at Carleton College, on Skip Humphrey party endorsement of challenger against DFL endorsed candidate. Schier provides historical perspective on action.
October 21, 1993 - Midday offers interviews with Twin Cities mayoral candidates. In this segment, Sharon Sayles Belton, president of the Minneapolis City Council, talks about wanting to be mayor of Minneapolis.
October 21, 1993 - U. S. Senator David Durenberger states there is bipartisan support for his national health plan, which includes broadening subsidies and access. He also details the difference between Clinton plan.
October 22, 1993 - Midday presents an MPR documentary entitled Far From the Mountains, which follows the story of one of the 1,000 Tibetans resettling in the United States in the early 1990s.
October 22, 1993 - Midday offers interviews with Twin Cities mayoral candidates. In this segment, John Derus, Hennepin County commissioner, talks about what he would do as mayor of Minneapolis. He counters negative commentary about him, providing a self-description as a pragmatic Democrat.
October 23, 1993 - Midday presents a broadcast of a local crime bill forum. Panelists Janet Reno, U.S. attorney general; Bruce Vento, Minnesota congressman; and William Finney, St. Paul police chief, share their views and answer audience questions.
October 26, 1993 - Midday presents a broadcast of Anthony DeCurtis, a features editor at Rolling Stone; and Hilton Kramer, editor at New Criterion, speaking at Hamline University as part of a program entitled "Who is Raising Our Kids? Families and Media in the ‘Age of MTV’." DeCurtis and Kramer debate the role of media, and its influence on American families.
October 28, 1993 - A Midday broadcast of KTCA-TV Forum, featuring St. Paul mayoral candidates Norm Coleman and Andy Dawkins. The two discuss political issues and their individual campaigns.