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.
October 11, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on Iraqi/Kuwait border situation in which U.S. troops were deployed. Wellstone also discusses sanctions against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq.
October 13, 1994 - Midday presents Dr. Cornell West, a professor of religion and director of Afro-American Studies Department at Princeton, speaking at the Westminster Town Hall Forum. West’s speech is entitled "The Politics of Race in America."
October 13, 1994 - Noted Minnesota author Carol Bly comments on Kenzaburō Ōe, winner of 1994 Nobel Prize for Literature. Bly shares her thoughts on writing that contains a social component.
October 13, 1994 - John Marty, DFL gubernatorial candidate, details his concerns over Minnesota tax structure and incumbent Governor Arne Carlson’s tax policy.
October 14, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Ann Wynia, DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, who discusses political issues of the campaign. Legislative topics include building coalitions, taxes, and balanced budget. Wynia also answers listener questions.
October 15, 1994 - On this Saturday Midday, Deb Brown, U of MN Extension horticulturist, discusses various topics including tress, fall season, and planting. Brown also answers listener questions.
October 17, 1994 - John Marty, Minnesota State Senator and the DFL candidate for governor of Minnesota.
October 20, 1994 - Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, pediatrician and professor emeritus of clinical pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, speaking at the University of Minnesota on what he sees as the primary problems in childcare, and what we can do to fix them. After the speech, Dr. Brazelton answered audience questions.
October 20, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former Minnesota Vikings football star Bill Brown about the long held rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
October 20, 1994 - Martin Sampson, professor in the Political Science department at University of Minnesota, provides commentary on situation in Middle East, political strategies of the various parties, and extremist violence.