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.
March 3, 1994 - Author Isabel Allende speaks and answers questions before the Westminster Town Hall Forum.
March 7, 1994 - Judith Martin talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the growing prominence of graffiti in the Twin Cities. Martin sees a number of reasons behind it, including gang related and juvenile vandalism.
March 8, 1994 - Bob Dayton, a downtown Minneapolis civic booster, shares his thoughts on offer from Louisiana company to purchase Target Center and Minnesota Timberwolves, with eventual plan to replace Timberwolves with a professional hockey team.
March 9, 1994 - Midday presents Preston Townley, president of the Conference Board of New York, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Townley’s address was titled "The Reality of Global Competition: Implications for People and Jobs." Following speech, Townley answers audience questions.
March 10, 1994 - Carol Bellamy, national director of the Peace Corps, discusses the history and mission of the Peace Corps. Bellamy also answers listener questions.
March 10, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with hockey legend Lou Nanne about the state of hockey in the “State of Hockey.” Nanne says that other states have gotten better at producing players that excel, leading to fewer young Minnesotan athletes on collegiate and professional ice.
March 10, 1994 - Dan Salamone, executive director of Minnesota Taxpayers Association, shares his viewpoint on state and city property taxes and the need for tax reform.
March 14, 1994 - Jim Simler, chair of the economics department at Macalester College, discusses the debate on raising state minimum wage and related issues. Simler also answers listener questions.
March 15, 1994 - On this Midday, a look at programs for overcoming alcohol abuse. Patricia Owen, clinical psychologist at Hazelden, Robert Muscala; chemical dependency counselor with Chemical Health Concept; and Pat Harrison of the Minnesota State Department of Human Services, discuss the various types of chemical treatment options available in Minnesota for alcoholics.
March 19, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Grace Weinstein, author of the book "The Lifetime Book of Money Management," discusses personal finances. Weinstein also answers listener questions.