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 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.
August 27, 1993 - Lester Collins, member of Council of Black Minnesotans, comments on Martin Luther King commemoration march. The event is titled "Jobs, Justice and Peace,” and held on the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington.
August 28, 1993 - U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger is Midday program’s guest at the Minnesota State Fair, answering audience and listener questions on health care, the economy, NAFTA, etc.
August 30, 1993 - The story of Anne Frank is on display in an exhibit called “Anne Frank in the World,” a traveling exhibit with locally commissioned art, lectures, and special events. Presented in report is a walk & talk about the exhibit and interviews with Henry Florentius, member of the Minnesota Friends of Anne Frank; and Jack Polak, chairman of the Anne Frank Center USA.
September 1, 1993 - A Midday program from the Minnesota State Fair, with political commentators Bob Meek and Tom Horner talking about the upcoming mayoral primaries, the new speaker designate of the Minnesota House, and pending debate on health care, and NAFTA.
September 2, 1993 - Irv Anderson, new speaker designate of the Minnesota House, discusses the future course of the DFL-controlled Minnesota legislature. Anderson also answers listener questions.
September 2, 1993 - Pat McGowan, a Minneapolis Police Department sergeant, shares his views on crime in the city of Minneapolis and what police and community efforts should be taken.