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 19, 1994 - A special Midday broadcast on the privatization of public schools, with group of guests that share their viewpoints and answer listener questions. The focus of conversation is the use of private companies by public school districts.
December 21, 1994 - Linda Berglin, DFL state representative and chair of the Minnesota Health Committee, discusses expansion of MnCare, federal funding, and taxes.
December 22, 1994 - Allan Baumgarten, independent consultant on health care management, talks about a study showing large reserves held by many HMOs.
December 23, 1994 - A Midday Christmas music special with studio guest Rick Shefchik of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Shefchik presents a selection of the newest songs and performers, new versions of old favorites, and the Christmas classics.
December 24, 1994 - Midday studio guest is William Doherty, director of marriage and family therapy programs at the University of Minnesota. Doherty answers questions about family dynamics during the holiday season, and listeners call in with stories about their families' holiday rituals, traditions and expectations.
December 27, 1994 - Steven Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, talks about the Minnesota stature in U.S. politics history, especially in the 1960s…with the likes of Walter Mondale, Eugene McCarthy, and Hubert H. Humphrey.
December 28, 1994 - Chuck Siggerud, metro division engineer for the Department of Transportation, discusses a court ruling that has blocked construction of section of County Rd 18 in Scott County. The source of controversy is state noise rules and highway construction.
December 29, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with John Marty, DFL state senator, about recommendations to moving back primary election date from September to early summer in order to reduce party infighting and increase public participation.
January 2, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Sandy Stephens, former Minnesota Gopher quarterback about his recollections of playing in the Rose Bowl. Stephens was the first African American All-American starting quarterback at University of Minnesota.
January 3, 1995 - A Midday discussion on welfare reform with KJ Jacobson from Women for Change; Susan Rowe from the welfare rights group Women, Work and Welfare; and John Petraborg, deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services.