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.
June 17, 1994 - Midday broadcasts from the I-R convention, with host Gary Eichten interviewing Allen Quist, the former Minnesota state representative and Minnesota Independent Republican Party candidate for Governor. Quist talks about his campaign platform and answers listener questions.
June 20, 1994 - A Midday broadcast of O Freedom Over Me, an MPR documentary that takes a look at Freedom Summer, 1964. American RadioWorks correspondent John Biewen interviews Freedom Summer veterans. Though their stories, he revisits the dramatic events of the Mississippi Summer and explores how the Summer helped shaped racial politics in America for years to come.
June 21, 1994 - MPR’s John Biewen and Kate Cavett, both producers of the documentary O Freedom Over Me, discuss excerpts, interviews, and outtakes that did not make it into final production. The documentary focused on the 30-year anniversary of Freedom Summer.
June 22, 1994 - Midday begins a news series that invites Minnesota political candidates to the MPR studios for a closer hour-long look at individual campaigns. Series starts with guest Tony Bouza, who is running for the Governor’s office. Bouza answers listener questions and discusses his platform and views.
June 27, 1994 - U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, member of the Senate Finance Committee, discusses the work at the U.S. Capitol to put together a health care reform bill.
July 1, 1994 - On this First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a story collection of various arts and culture topics. It’s a summer fare.
July 1, 1994 - A Midday interview with Jim Ulland, Minnesota state commerce commissioner, shares his thoughts on Walter Mondale being U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Ulland sees Secretary of State as a much better role for Mondale.
July 4, 1994 -
July 6, 1994 - On the 140th anniversary of Republican Party, Midday’s Gary Eichten chats with professor George H. Miller about the formation of the party in Ripon, Wisconsin.
July 8, 1994 - U.S. Representative Rod Grams visits the Midday studios to answer listener questions. Grams is the 1994 Independent-Republic party's endorsed U.S. Senate candidate.