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.
August 2, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman about the start of a city community initiative, called “SafeCity St. Paul.” Coleman details how communications, auditing, and creating an action agenda are being implemented in order to foster safer neighborhoods.
August 2, 1994 - Nils Hasselmo, president of the University of Minnesota, discusses the differences between Swedes and Norwegians. Hasselmo states that a once tense relationship is now a much more fun rivalry.
August 2, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Mary Jo O'Brien, commissioner of the Minnesota Health Department, about MinnesotaCare and how efforts for a federal health care reform would impact the state’s health care program.
August 4, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with local sports commentator Howard Sinker about the retirement of Minnesota Twin first baseman Kent Hrbek. Sinker shares high praise of Hrbek, who played an integral part on the Twins roster for the 1987 and 1991 World Series Championships.
August 5, 1994 - On this First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents story and interview collection that includes: discussion with rape activists; interviews with authors Jeff Torrington and Nina Vida about their books, a look back at the history of American movie theatres, and the magic of Monarch butterflies, amongst other segments.
August 5, 1994 - Emily Galusha, member of Northern Clay Center on Art Fairs, talks about the various Twin Cities art fairs. Galusha comments on the growing public interest and quality of artists as the years have progressed.
August 12, 1994 - An AP Network special report with President Clinton’s remarks to the National Association of Police Organizations at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis. Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis; Edward Rendell, mayor of Philadelphia; Norm Coleman, mayor of St. Paul; and Rudolph Giuliani, mayor of New York City, briefly speak prior to Clinton. Mick Ganley, Minneapolis police Sargent, introduces President Clinton.
August 13, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Nina Archabal, director of the Minnesota Historical Society; and Bill Morrissey, director of the Minnesota Park System, discuss state parks. Topics include history of parks, costs, and preservation. Archabal and Morrissey also answer listener questions.
August 15, 1994 - Sister Helen Prejean, lecturer and death row "inmate advocate,” speaking at Twin Cities seminar on the death penalty, sponsored by the group "Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights". In address, Prejean talked about her contact with death row inmates and the families of the victims, as well as her efforts to inform people of the financial and social costs of the death penalty.
August 15, 1994 - An interview with Tom Triplett, who is leaving local business partnership. Topics of taxes, education, and business are discussed.