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.
August 12, 1994 - An AP Network special report with President Clinton’s remarks to the National Association of Police Organizations at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis. Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis; Edward Rendell, mayor of Philadelphia; Norm Coleman, mayor of St. Paul; and Rudolph Giuliani, mayor of New York City, briefly speak prior to Clinton. Mick Ganley, Minneapolis police Sargent, introduces President Clinton.
August 13, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Nina Archabal, director of the Minnesota Historical Society; and Bill Morrissey, director of the Minnesota Park System, discuss state parks. Topics include history of parks, costs, and preservation. Archabal and Morrissey also answer listener questions.
August 15, 1994 - Sister Helen Prejean, lecturer and death row "inmate advocate,” speaking at Twin Cities seminar on the death penalty, sponsored by the group "Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights". In address, Prejean talked about her contact with death row inmates and the families of the victims, as well as her efforts to inform people of the financial and social costs of the death penalty.
August 15, 1994 - An interview with Tom Triplett, who is leaving local business partnership. Topics of taxes, education, and business are discussed.
August 16, 1994 - On this Midday program, Jim Solem discusses his new role as regional administrator at Metropolitan Council. Topics include changes/growth at the Council, transit, and housing. Solem also answers listener questions.
August 16, 1994 - George Karvel, a professor of Real Estate at St. Cloud University, talks about rising interest rates, home sales, and slowing housing construction in the region.
August 17, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on what was found in U.S. Army documents about spraying in parts of Minnesota in the 1950s. Wellstone worked to get information released.
August 19, 1994 - Jack Tunheim, Chief Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota, discusses President Clinton’s federal crime bill, known as Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Topics include increase in police force, stiffer penalties, and assault weapons ban. Tunheim also answered listener questions.
August 19, 1994 - President Clinton press conference on Cuban boat crisis. Clinton announces that Cuban refugees will not be accepted into the United States. He then speaks on status of Crime Bill. Clinton also answers questions form the press.
August 19, 1994 - Dr. Arthur Caplan, former head of Center for Bioethics at University of Minnesota, is interviewed about his thoughts on how the health care reform has played out in Washington D.C.