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.
December 28, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Bill Wilson, out-going St. Paul council president and civil rights activist, about his thoughts on the city of St. Paul…what’s better, what’s not, and what’s changing. Topics of discussion include downtown business, race relations, and politics.
December 29, 1993 - Outgoing mayors Don Fraser (of Minneapolis) and Jim Scheibel (of St. Paul) visit Midday program to answer listener questions about politics and the future of the Twin Cities.
December 30, 1993 - MPR’s Karen Boothe gives a brief summary report on a hearing challenging the city of Minneapolis in offering health benefits to same-sex partners of city employees.
December 31, 1993 - Peter Rodosovich, Minnesota state representative from District 25B and chair of the House Higher Education Finance Division, comments on investigation into University of Minnesota’s Anti-Lympocyte Globulin Program.
January 3, 1994 - MPR’s Tom Fudge provides a summary report on the inauguration of Sharon Sayles Belton as mayor of Minneapolis. Sayles Belton becomes the first African American and first woman to hold that position.
January 3, 1994 - On this Midday program, coverage from the Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral inaugurations. Program includes interviews, music clips, and speeches.
January 4, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Jack Tunheim, an attorney in the Office of the State Attorney General of Minnesota, about Minnesota Supreme Court’s differing view with state legislature over use of DNA evidence in court proceedings.
January 5, 1994 - Mark Seeley, meteorologist at the University of Minnesota, discusses various terms and conditions of winter. Seeley also answers listener questions.
January 7, 1994 - First Friday with Beth Friend. Chris Roberts subs as host. This month's show theme is "Identity".
January 10, 1994 - With President Clinton traveling to Europe for the first time in his presidency, Midday invites historian Nick Hayes to provide a viewpoint on the important issues at hand for U.S.-European relation…including NATO, former Yugoslavia conflict, and Russia.