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.
April 27, 1994 - A special Talk of Minnesota program, with caller commentary of the late President Richard Nixon. Topics include Watergate, the Nixon administration’s accomplishments, and Nixon’s legacy.
April 30, 1994 - Deb Brown, U of MN Extension horticulturist, discusses late spring snow, gardening, and spring planning. Brown also answers listener questions.
May 2, 1994 - Clinical social worker Sheila Miller discusses her concerns on TV violence and the limited benefits of simply placing warning labels on television, broadcast, and cable programming.
May 6, 1994 - Midday, Hour 2
May 9, 1994 - Midday presents a speech by newly elected President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Bishop Desmond Tutu introduces Mandela. Following Mandela speech, program presents an address by Rev. Bernice King, daughter of the late Martin Luther King, Jr., at St. Olaf in Northfield.
May 9, 1994 - Bishop Desmond Tutu speaking at the Mandela inauguration in South Africa.
May 9, 1994 - Nelson Mandela speaking at his presidential inauguration in South Africa.
May 10, 1994 - David Rusk, former mayor of Albuquerque; and George Latimer, former mayor of St. Paul, discuss the issues and solutions of poverty in the Twin Cities and its suburbs. Rusk and Latimer also answer listener questions.
May 11, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on the upcoming vote on ethic bill in the U.S. Senate.
May 12, 1994 - MPR's Stephen Smith and Bill Catlin present "A Suffering Mind," a documentary about depression. Documentary interviews individuals battling depression and psychologists and about a commonly misunderstood condition.