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.
October 6, 1994 - Eli Coleman, director of program on Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota, discusses results of research study, which includes insight that measuring behavior is not the only piece in defining sexual health. Topics of married couples and sexual preference are discussed.
October 7, 1994 - On this First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents a story collection that includes: upcoming Minnesota Orchestra strike; Dayton Hudson charitable priorities; music and spirit of "Cherokee Rose;" radio that unites families from around the world, and meeting between American Jews and his Holiness Dalai Lama of Tibet.
October 8, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Peter Burns, project insulate audit supervisor for the St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium, discusses energy conservation and insulation. Burns also answers listener questions.
October 10, 1994 - Republican Rod Grams, who is running against DFL Anny Wynia for the vacated Minnesota U.S. senate seat, discusses political issues of the campaign. Legislative topics include crime bill (assault weapons), science investment, and campaign reform. Grams also answers listener questions.
October 11, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews local economist Paul Anton about game theory-economics. Anton provides a definition and presents theatrical examples.
October 11, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on Iraqi/Kuwait border situation in which U.S. troops were deployed. Wellstone also discusses sanctions against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq.
October 13, 1994 - Midday presents Dr. Cornell West, a professor of religion and director of Afro-American Studies Department at Princeton, giving speech to the Westminster Town Hall Forum, entitled "The Politics of Race in America."
October 13, 1994 - Noted Minnesota author Carol Bly comments on Kenzaburō Ōe, winner of 1994 Nobel Prize for Literature. Bly shares her thoughts on writing that contains a social component.
October 13, 1994 - John Marty, DFL gubernatorial candidate, details his concerns over Minnesota tax structure and incumbent Governor Arne Carlson’s tax policy.
October 14, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Ann Wynia, DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, who discusses political issues of the campaign. Legislative topics include building coalitions, taxes, and balanced budget. Wynia also answers listener questions.