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 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.
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.