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 16, 1994 - On this Midday program, Jim Solem discusses his new role as regional administrator at Metropolitan Council. Topics include changes/growth at the Council, transit, and housing. Solem also answers listener questions.
August 16, 1994 - George Karvel, a professor of Real Estate at St. Cloud University, talks about rising interest rates, home sales, and slowing housing construction in the region.
August 17, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on what was found in U.S. Army documents about spraying in parts of Minnesota in the 1950s. Wellstone worked to get information released.
August 19, 1994 - Jack Tunheim, Chief Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota, discusses President Clinton’s federal crime bill, known as Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Topics include increase in police force, stiffer penalties, and assault weapons ban. Tunheim also answered listener questions.
August 19, 1994 - President Clinton press conference on Cuban boat crisis. Clinton announces that Cuban refugees will not be accepted into the United States. He then speaks on status of Crime Bill. Clinton also answers questions form the press.
August 19, 1994 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, former head of Center for Bioethics at University of Minnesota, is interviewed about his thoughts on how the health care reform has played out in Washington D.C.
August 25, 1994 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Midday’s Gary Eichten moderates a debate between the primary DFL gubernatorial candidates Tony Bouza, Mike Hatch, and John Marty. The candidates for governor battle over the topics of crime and ecomony.
August 25, 1994 - Steven Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, comments on his views of what will come of the health care and crime bills in the U.S. Senate.
August 26, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten presents excerpts of Governor Arne Carlson and former Minnesota State Representative Alan Quist's appearances on Midday program. The two are vying as Independent Republican candidates for governor.
August 26, 1994 - With the murder of a St. Paul officer, Minneapolis Police Sergeant Pat McGowan talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about the dangers of policing and the toll stress can take on an officer.