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 27, 1994 - A Midday call-in discussion about family values and the importance of family to American culture. Guests Ambassador Arvonne Fraser, U.S. representative to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women; and Kate O'Bierne of the Heritage Foundation and former deputy assistant secretary of Health and Human Services in the Reagan Administration.
May 27, 1994 - Elmer Birney, ecology professor at University of Minnesota, discusses the study of animal behavior within a reserve.
May 30, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Matthew Ramadan, member of Nation of Islam in Minnesota, about the differences between his religious organization and Louis Farrakhan’s Black nationalist organization, the Nation of Islam.
May 30, 1994 - DFL Party Chair Rick Stafford comments on upcoming DFL convention. John Marty and Mike Freeman, are the two main candidates battling for delegate endorsement.
May 31, 1994 - American newspaper columnist and author Molly Ivins speaks at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis, touching on a number of subjects…including politics, the First Amendment and the role of women.
June 1, 1994 -
June 2, 1994 - Jane Alexander, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Alexander’s address was on the topic of arts in the Twin Cities. Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis, introduces Alexander. 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.
June 2, 1994 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)'s Jane Alexander speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Alexander’s speech is part of a local conference on the power of art in collaborating with kids.
June 2, 1994 - John Kim Munholland, history professor at University of Minnesota, talks about WWII in Italy and Allies push to defeat Mussolini.
June 3, 1994 - A Midday program from the DFL Convention. Host Gary Eichten interviews Ann Wynia, the DFL Party's candidate for U.S. Senate, who discusses campaign issues. Wynia also answers listener questions.