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.
July 29, 1994 - State Representative Allen Quist, the I-R endorsed candidate for governor of Minnesota, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in his campaign. Quist also answers listener questions.
July 30, 1994 - Local horticulturist Deb Brown visits the Midday studio to answer listener questions about plants in the summer season.
August 1, 1994 - Ann Wynia, the DFL endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate seat, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in her campaign. Wynia also answers listener questions.
August 2, 1994 - Midday presents a community policing MPR documentary entitled A New Kind of Cop, followed by a discussion and call-in with Lucy Gerold, director of Community Services Bureau for the Minneapolis Police Department. Gerold comments on local efforts on community policing and National Night Out.
August 2, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman about the start of a city community initiative, called “SafeCity St. Paul.” Coleman details how communications, auditing, and creating an action agenda are being implemented in order to foster safer neighborhoods.
August 2, 1994 - Nils Hasselmo, president of the University of Minnesota, discusses the differences between Swedes and Norwegians. Hasselmo states that a once tense relationship is now a much more fun rivalry.
August 2, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Mary Jo O'Brien, commissioner of the Minnesota Health Department, about MinnesotaCare and how efforts for a federal health care reform would impact the state’s health care program.
August 4, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with local sports commentator Howard Sinker about the retirement of Minnesota Twin first baseman Kent Hrbek. Sinker shares high praise of Hrbek, who played an integral part on the Twins roster for the 1987 and 1991 World Series Championships.
August 5, 1994 - On this First Friday program, MPR’s Beth Friend presents story and interview collection that includes: discussion with rape activists; interviews with authors Jeff Torrington and Nina Vida about their books, a look back at the history of American movie theatres, and the magic of Monarch butterflies, amongst other segments.
August 5, 1994 - Emily Galusha, member of Northern Clay Center on Art Fairs, talks about the various Twin Cities art fairs. Galusha comments on the growing public interest and quality of artists as the years have progressed.