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.
May 13, 1994 - Les Aspin, former defense secretary, speaking at the Carlson Lecture Series, held at University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Aspin’s address was titled, “National Security: Politics, Press and Personalities.” Aspin spent 22 years as a leading congressional expert on defense. Then, as President Clinton's first Defense Secretary, Aspin found himself in the middle of several controversies, including the U.S. role in Somalia.
May 14, 1994 - NPR Weekend presents Saturday Radio Addresses. Heard is President Bill Clinton’s weekend radio address, speaking from Indianapolis. Clinton talks of Mandela election, amongst other subjects. After Clinton speech, Senator David Durenberger (GOP-MN), speaks of Republican perspective. Durenberger’s topic is on healthcare.
May 17, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Marvin Marshak, chairman of the Physics Department at University of Minnesota, about impactful scientific life of the late professor Al Nier. Marshal also discusses what lies ahead in the study of physics for the next generation of scientists.
May 17, 1994 - Two DFL candidates seeking party endorsement for Minnesota Governor visit Midday to pitch their candidacies. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and State Senator John Marty debate topics of education, welfare, DFL endorsement, and community investment. The two also answer listener questions.
May 18, 1994 - Paula Stern, a member of President Clinton's Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Stern’s speech was titled, "Looking East and South: What's Next for U.S. Trade,” and was on the issue of global trade. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
May 18, 1994 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker gives his take on the surprising play of the Minnesota Twins in May with a run of wins. Trading players is also mentioned.
May 19, 1994 - With the National Rifle Association holding its annual convention in Minneapolis, Midday has a call-in on gun control and the NRA, as well as a discussion with guests Howard Orenstein, Minnesota DFL state representative; and Richard Gardiner, NRA’s Counsel for Legislative Affairs.
May 19, 1994 - Daniel Farber, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, comments on Montana court ruling and 2nd Amendment regarding gun control issue.
May 19, 1994 - In the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo relief workers are turning increased attention the city's mental health after two years of siege. Sarajevo is still surrounded by Bosnian Serb military forces but the daily rainfall of mortars and bullets appears over. Some Sarajevans describe living through the siege as like being trapped in a huge concentration camp. there is a growing effort to provide counseling and psychiatric care to the people in Sarajevo. Part of that effort comes from Minnesota. the Minneapolis -based Center for Victims of Torture hopes to establish a counseling and training program in Sarajevo for the treatment of trauma victims. A team from Minnesota went to Bosnia and Croatia to assess the need for such a training center.
May 25, 1994 - As part of a MPR’s look at the family, Midday presents a selection of tape excerpts from speeches on family, including Dan Quayle's controversial "Murphy Brown" speech. Other speeches include Bill Clinton, Suzanne Dworkin, and David Blankenhorn.