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 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.
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.