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. Program includes various interviews and performances.
September 8, 1994 - Midday presents a look back at Minnesota writer Fredrick Manfred and his work. Program includes a 1980 interview with the author, a reading, and commentary from the author.
September 8, 1994 - A short audio clip of an old interview with American writer Frederick Manfred. The author recollects on a personal memory about the land of southern Minnesota.
September 9, 1994 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews an Ely resident about Elizabeth Olson, wife of Sigurd Olson. Elizabeth passed away on August 23rd, 1994. In interview, she is remembered for her support of Sigurd and her own efforts in protecting the northern Minnesota wilderness.
September 12, 1994 - An interview with Sheila Livingston, director of theater education at the Guthrie Theater, about Jessica Tandy, one of the first actors hired by Tyrone Guthrie.