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.
January 10, 1994 - Chris Georgacas, party chair of the state Independent Republican party, talks of the IR’s strength and endorsements. Early primaries and Governor Carlson are also discussed.
January 10, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Bob Dayton, a downtown Minneapolis civic booster, about task force looking at economic health of downtown and how to best utilize Target Center and support major league sports in the city.
January 11, 1994 - Curt Johnson, senior aide in Governor Carlson’s office, discusses a plan in front of State Board of Education on implementing school desegregation in metropolitan suburbs.
January 13, 1994 - Robert Reich, U.S. Secretary of Labor, speaking at Minnesota Meeting, via a phone link due to travel issues. Reich’s address was on the topic of policies toward business and job growth. Following Reich’s speech, a panel discussion take place. Panelists Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator (D); Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis; Norm Coleman, mayor of St. Paul; and Curt Johnson, deputy chief of staff and chief policy aid to Governor Arne Carlson, discuss labor and business issues. Panelists and Reich also answers questions from the audience. Lawrence Perlman, head of the Ceridian Corporation, was host of this Minnesota Meeting. 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.
January 13, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Doug Swingley moments after he won 1994 John Beargrease Dog Sled Race along Minnesota's North Shore. Swingley talks about his dog team and the race.
January 13, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone discusses his support for The Partnership for Peace, a program by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that aims to increase stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region.
January 19, 1994 - Charles Sykes, a senior fellow at the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute in Milwaukee, speaking at a meeting of the Center of the American Experiment in Minneapolis. In Syke’s address, he contends that Americans have become victims, rather than rugged individualists. Following speech, Sykes answered audience questions. Sykes is author of the book, "A Nation of Victims."
January 21, 1994 - Robert Astrup, president of the Minnesota Education Association; and Richard Barbeau, a private school teacher, discuss the profession of teaching, issues facing teachers, and administrations. Astrup and Barbeau also answer listener questions.
January 22, 1994 - Kathy Heidel, naturalist with Hennepin Parks, discusses nature during the dead of winter. Topics include birds and animals. Heidel also answers listener questions.
January 24, 1994 - Leszek Balcerowicz, former finance minister of Poland, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Balcerowicz’s address was titled, "The Price of Freedom: What's next for Central and Eastern Europe and Russia." Following speech, Balcerowicz answered audience questions. Balcerowicz is a professor at the Warsaw School of Economics and is considered the architect of Poland's economic transformation. 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.