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.
November 1, 1994 - In the last of a Midday series of interviews with candidates of major Minnesota political races, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews incumbent I-R Jim Ramstad; and his DFL challenger Bob Olson, both running for 3rd District.
November 3, 1994 - Najeeb Halaby, chairman of "Save the Children,” speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Halaby’s address was titled, “Putting Children and Women First: A Strategy for Waging Peace.” Following speech, Halaby answered audience questions. 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.
November 3, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Minnesota wildlife artist Les Kouba about that genre of art. Kouba and others routinely compete for the chance to have their creations utilized on a stamp or sold as prints. Kouba gives advice to would-be artists on how to succeed in the “field.”
November 4, 1994 - The November edition of "First Friday," MPR's monthly program on the arts and popular culture, hosted by Beth Friend.
November 7, 1994 - Midday guest Deborah Tannen, author of the books "Talking from 9 to 5" and "You Just Don't Understand," talks of her research on the differences and similarities in the way men and women communicate. Tannen also answers listener questions.
November 9, 1994 - Vin Weber, former Minnesota representative (I-R); and Tim Penny, outgoing Minnesota representative (DFL), speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Weber and Penny analyze the outcome of 1994 elections. Following discussion, Weber and Penny answer audience questions. 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.
November 9, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone provides his post-election take of the Minnesota DFL after a wave of state I-R candidate victories in the 1994 elections.
November 16, 1994 - An Open Forum Town Meeting, presenting the topic “Addressing Juvenile Crime”. Panelists Gerald Martin, Judge of the St. Louis County Juvenile Court; Dr. Marilyn Marsh, member of student and community services for Duluth Public School District; and Richard Quigley, CEO of Woodland Hills. Meeting was moderated by MPR’s Bob Kelleher.
November 17, 1994 - A Midday pledge drive hour, with a re-broadcast of the 1991 documentary by Steven Smith and Chris Julin about Indian boarding schools in the 19th century. “Learning the White People Way: A Documentary Essay on the History of Federal Indian Boarding Schools” is narrated and co-written by Ted Mahto, a Native American from the Red Lake band of Chippewa in northern Minnesota. Mahto reflects on his experience at boarding schools in Pipestone, Minnesota and Flandreau, South Dakota.
November 17, 1994 - Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson comments on what he expects in the upcoming session at the State Capitol in regards to spending, taxes, and overall budget.