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 1, 1994 - First Friday with Beth Friend. Chris Roberts subs as host
April 1, 1994 - A Midday interview with Esther Wattenberg on negative income tax and children in poverty, as political debate over welfare reform increases.
April 4, 1994 - Andy MacPhail, general manager of the Minnesota Twins, comments on what is needed for the 1994 Twins season to be successful.
April 6, 1994 - Bill Dean, chair of Minnesotans for Light Rail Transit (LRT); and Lyle Wray, executive director of the Citizens League, express their views and answer listener questions about light rail transit in the Twin Cities.
April 8, 1994 - U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks at Minnesota Nurses Association rally at the IDS crystal court in downtown Minneapolis for an address about health care reform. MPR’s Dan Olson reports from rally.
April 9, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Betty Seitzer, owner of Spatial Harmony, discusses practical, low-maintenance, energy efficient landscaping. Seitzer also answer listener questions.
April 12, 1994 - Native American environmentalist and writer Winona LaDuke speaks at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis on the difference between indigenous and industrial ways of thinking. She also discusses feminism, environmental racism and broken treaties.
April 14, 1994 - With the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Democratic Party and the Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party, Midday guests Betty Wilson and John Haynes share the history of the DFL party. They detail how the two separate political organizations came together in the state.
April 14, 1994 - On the birthday of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Minnesota politician Eugene McCarthy about the history of the DFL in the state.
April 16, 1994 - Fishing expert Chet Meyers talks about fishing in Minnesota and answers listener questions. Topics include the various fish openers, equipment, technique, and different types of fish.