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.
December 7, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Bill Green, Minneapolis school board member, about district reorganization plan that would divide city into four sectors, with students going to their “home” sector. Some are concerned that it will create racial imbalances in some schools and hurt efforts to improve education in state.
December 8, 1994 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator and progressive Democrat, discusses the Bosnia situation and potential war in Yugoslavia. Other topics include political labels, balanced budget amendment, farm bill, and welfare reform. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
December 10, 1994 - On this Weekend program, Carol Erdahl, co-owner of the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, talks about children's books. Topics include picture books, characters, and parent awareness of subject matter. Erdahl also shares book recommendations and answers listener questions.
December 12, 1994 - Tom Sherman, partner at Coopers & Lybrand accounting firm, explains definition of “middle-class” and tax cuts that are meaningful to that group.
December 13, 1994 - Arne Carlson, Minnesota governor (I-R), discusses his reelection. Topics include shift of power from federal to states, balanced budget amendment, state spending, MET Council, new EJJ law, and non-profits. Carlson also answers questions from listeners.
December 13, 1994 - Ann Rest, DFL state representative and chair of Minnesota House Tax Committee, comments on study that shows Minnesota as the fifth highest state in the nation for taxes.
December 14, 1994 - Erica Whittlinger, president of Whittlinger Capital Management and co-founder of the Minnesota chapter of the Concord Coalition, discusses federal entitlement spending. Topics include legislative action on entitlements, budget, and federal deficit. Whittlinger also answers listener questions.
December 16, 1994 - Midday presents a Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Sauk Center. The program highlights various aspects of juvenile justice. MPR’s Rachel Reabe interviews three teenagers incarcerated at Sauk Center. Following interviews, MPR’s Catherine Winter hosts a discussion with Larry Smith, program director at Sauk Center; Tom Van Engen, I-R legislator from Spicer; and Freddie Davis, chair of state female offender task force.
December 17, 1994 - William Eddins, assistant conductor for Minnesota Orchestra, plays the piano and answers listener questions about music appreciation, broadcast from MPR's Maud Moon Weyerhaueser Music Studio.
December 18, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten has a wide ranging conversation with outgoing U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, who reflects on his 16-year tenure in the U.S. Senate and on what’s next. Durenberger also answers listener call-in questions.