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.
July 19, 1994 - Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton speaking before the Plenary Session of the National Governors Association Convention in Boston's Hynes Convention Center. Speeches highlighted differing views on proposals for federal health care coverage. The biggest debate is the issue of universal coverage. Following speeches, MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Dave Durenberger, Minnesota U.S. Senator (I-R), who provides commentary about legislative health care reform.
July 20, 1994 - On this Midday program, a WFME-FM documentary, “One Small Step: 25 Years Since Apollo,” which looks back at U.S. space exploration. WFME’s Pat Duggins narrates, presenting various interviews and sound recordings.
July 20, 1994 - Annabell Cabana, mother of Space Shuttle Commander Robert Cabana, shares memories of her son’s youth growing up in Minneapolis and talks of her feelings of him in space.
July 22, 1994 - This Midday program presents various political segments: Don Samuelson, DFL gubernatorial candidate, abruptly announces his withdrawal; Arne Carlson speech on the steps of the State Capital; and James Renier speaking at the Center for Corporate Responsibility annual meeting held at the University of St. Thomas.
July 23, 1994 - Kathy Heidel, naturalist with Hennepin Parks, discusses “The Dog Days Summer,” nature, and summer plants. Heidel also answers listener questions
July 28, 1994 - State Senator John Marty, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor of Minnesota, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in his campaign. Marty also answers listener questions.
July 29, 1994 - State Representative Allen Quist, the I-R endorsed candidate for governor of Minnesota, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in his campaign. Quist also answers listener questions.
July 30, 1994 - Local horticulturist Deb Brown visits the Midday studio to answer listener questions about plants in the summer season.
August 1, 1994 - Ann Wynia, the DFL endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate seat, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in her campaign. Wynia also answers listener questions.
August 2, 1994 - Midday presents a community policing MPR documentary entitled A New Kind of Cop, followed by a discussion and call-in with Lucy Gerold, director of Community Services Bureau for the Minneapolis Police Department. Gerold comments on local efforts on community policing and National Night Out.