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 26, 1994 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from City Hall in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Program highlights the history, current state, and future of mining in the Iron Range. In this first hour of program, MPR’s Catherine Winter and Martin Kaste present various reports and interviews from residents, miners, mining companies, and politicians. Following reports, a panel discussion with Jim Gustafson, commissioner of IRRRB; Frederic “Fritz” Knaak, former I-R state representative in White Bear Lake; and Tom Rukavina, DFL state representative from Virginia, who talk about the future of area.
January 26, 1994 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from City Hall in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Program highlights the history, current state, and future of mining in the Iron Range. In this second hour of program, MPR’s Catherine Winter and Martin Kaste present reports from MPR’s Rachel Reabe and Mark Steil. Following reports, a panel discussion with Doug Schrader, president of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota; and Bob Roots, lobbyist for United Steel Workers, about mining jobs and future industry.
January 28, 1994 - Dick Braun, Director of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota, provides an update on the latest happenings in transportation. His speaks about light rail, highways, bridges, high-speed trains and "intelligent vehicles."
February 2, 1994 - John Sawhill, president and CEO of the Nature Conservancy, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Sawhill’s address was titled, "Toward a Sustainable Future: Breaking the Business-Environmental Log Jam." Topic of talk includes need for policies that balance economic growth with conservation. Following speech, Sawhill 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.
February 2, 1994 - Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux talks about Mayor Sayles Belton’s directive to police department in coming up with plan on addressing juvenile delinquents, enforcing a youth curfew, and reorganizing the Department of Juvenile Division.
February 4, 1994 - Local sports commentator talks about the possible options for Carl Pohlad in a sale of the Minnesota Twins baseball organization.
February 4, 1994 - First Friday is Minnesota Public Radio's monthly program about the arts and popular culture. Stephanie Wendt subs as host. This month's show theme is "Love, Sickness & Animal Affection". 1.Dolphins singing together 2.Tips in courting 3.Art of the love letter 4.Love gone wrong 5.Spider John Koerner & Willie Murphy
February 5, 1994 - Jack Weatherford, author and professor of anthropology at Macalester College, discusses his books and experiences traveling the world. Weatherford also answers listener questions.
February 7, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone shares his view that NATO and the West need to act on the Bosnia conflict in order to end atrocities and violence against civilians.
February 9, 1994 - Timothy Wirth, undersecretary of State for Global Affairs, discusses world population and sustainable development. Wirth also answers listener questions.