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 25, 1994 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Midday’s Gary Eichten moderates a debate between the primary DFL gubernatorial candidates Tony Bouza, Mike Hatch, and John Marty. The candidates for governor battle over the topics of crime and ecomony.
August 25, 1994 - Steven Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, comments on his views of what will come of the health care and crime bills in the U.S. Senate.
August 26, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten presents excerpts of Governor Arne Carlson and former Minnesota State Representative Alan Quist's appearances on Midday program. The two are vying as Independent Republican candidates for governor.
August 26, 1994 - With the murder of a St. Paul officer, Minneapolis Police Sergeant Pat McGowan talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about the dangers of policing and the toll stress can take on an officer.
September 1, 1994 - MPR's Paula Schroeder talks with Star Tribune staff writer Jeremy Iggers and Kettering Foundation President David Mathews about what the news media can do to increase citizen participation in public discussion and politics.
September 2, 1994 - Live from the Minnesota Public Radio State Fair booth, MPR’s Beth Friend hosts a special September edition of First Friday. Highlighted are the cast from the Penumbra play “Spunk,” vocalist Ruth Mackenzie demonstrates Swedish cow calls, the band Cave Music offers punk with a smile, Dancing Elvis Dads perform, and a visit State Fair art exhibit.
September 8, 1994 - Midday presents a look back at deceased Minnesota writer Fredrick Manfred and his work. Program includes a 1980 interview with the author.
September 13, 1994 - Celeste Brosenne, exhibit curator; and Steve Keillor, exhibit content expert, discuss the Minnesota Historical Society exhibit "On The Campaign Trail," which explores old and new political campaigns and how they have changed. Brosenne and Keillor also answer listener questions.
September 14, 1994 - Tom Horner, I-R political analyst; and Sara Stoesz, DFL political analyst, discuss yesterday's primary election results. Winners of the primary included Arne Carlson, Rod Grams, John Marty, and Ann Widia. Horner and Stoesz also share thoughts on the upcoming general election.
September 14, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on the potential of Clinton Administration authorizing an invasion to Haiti in an effort to restore ousted Haiti president.