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 7, 1993 - Tom Heffelfinger, a former U.S. attorney, explains the possible decisions of U.S. Justice Department in pursuing a fraud investigation into U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger.
December 9, 1993 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the center for biomedical ethics at the University of Minnesota, talks about the topic of physician-assisted suicide and answers listener questions.
December 10, 1993 - Midday guest Peter Hutchinson, new superintendent of the Minneapolis Public School District, discusses what lies ahead for district, with student achievement being the first priority. Hutchinson also takes listener questions.
December 10, 1993 - DFLer Keith Langseth, Minnesota state senator representing the 9th District, shares his views that a raising gas tax is needed to for investment into state’s transportation system.
December 10, 1993 - A member of the League of Women Voters (LWV) states her stance against term limits. She sees it as taking choice out the voters hands.
December 14, 1993 - Dave Durenberger and Paul Wellstone, Minnesota’s U.S. senators, debate at Minnesota Meeting. The topic of debate is health-care reform. Durenberger is an advocate of managed competition in health care, while Wellstone is an advocate of a single-payer system. 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.
December 15, 1993 - Midday presents an MPR documentary titled “A New Kind of Cop,” which looks at community-oriented policing, with a focus on one such program in Lansing, Michigan, which is being modeled by other departments across the country.
December 16, 1993 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator, discusses his fact-finding trip to the former Yugoslavia. Wellstone also answers listeners.
December 17, 1993 - As part of a week-long series called Keeping the Peace, Midday guests Robert Trojanowicz, professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and the director of the National Center for Community Policing; and Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux, talk about the role of police in preventing and solving crimes, apprehending criminals, and "keeping the peace."
December 21, 1993 - Steven Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, is interviewed about President Clinton’s popularity and the controversy over Defense Secretary nominee Bobby Inman not paying taxes for part-time housekeeper.