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 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.
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.