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 21, 1994 - Father Greg Boyle, who works with gangs in South Los Angeles California, speaking at Minneapolis Community College. In address, Boyle states the Twin Cities approach to fighting gang violence is all wrong.
March 22, 1994 - Midday focuses on how public policy effects the use of alcohol. Allan Spear, Minnesota state senator; and George Hacker, director of the Alcohol Policies Project of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, discuss legislation (both state and national) intended to stop alcohol abuse. Spear and Hacker also answer listener questions.
March 23, 1994 - Ben Whitney, co-chair of Minnesotans for Term Limits; and Joan Higinbotham, executive director of Common Cause, discuss the debate of term limits. Whitney and Higinbothom also answer listener questions.
March 26, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Candace Campbell, chair of the National Business Incubation Association and a fellow at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute, discusses starting your own small business. Campbell also answers listener questions.
March 28, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger about health care reform push in Congress and on Whitewater controversary.
March 29, 1994 - Naomi Wolf, author of "The Beauty Myth," discusses feminism at Saint Olaf College.
March 29, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Doug Johnson, Minnesota state senator, about bill that would use state income tax to pay for universal health coverage. Johnson is the senator sponsor of the plan.
March 30, 1994 - Midday presents Robert Allen, chairman and CEO of AT&T, speaking at the Minnesota Meeting. Allen’s address was on the topic, "The Information Superhighway: Will it Run to Lake Wobegon?" Following speech, Allen answers audience questions.
March 31, 1994 - Pat Forciea, communications communications consultant for the University of Minnesota Athetic Department, discusses Doug Woog’s college men’s hockey team being completely made up of Minnesotans.
March 31, 1994 - On this Midday program, the topic today is prisons. Guests Connie Roehrich, the warden of the Shakopee Correction Facility for Women; and Frank Wood, the state's corrections commissioner talk about Minnesota prison system. Roehrich and Wood also answer listener questions.