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.
May 5, 1995 -
May 6, 1995 - University of Minnesota Extension Horticulturist Deb Brown answers listener questions about vegetable and flower gardening and lawn care.
May 8, 1995 - To mark the 50th anniversary of V-E Day, a special documentary about "On A Note of Triumph", a radio drama aired originally on V-E day. Documentary was created by the legendary Norman Corwin.
May 10, 1995 - Charles Murray, co-author of "The Bell Curve," and Dr. Alvin Poussaint, author and psychiatrist, speaking at Carleton College in Northfield. The topics of speeches were on class structure, and the issues of race in the United States.
May 11, 1995 - Midday presents a Westminster Town Hall Forum speech, featuring Dr. Abraham Verghese, of Texas Tech University and author of "My Own Country: A Doctor's Story." Verghese speaks about a community's response to AIDS.
May 13, 1995 - Wildlife specialist Carrol Henderson, of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is in the Midday studio to answer listener questions about birds.
May 15, 1995 - Carl Bildt, author and former prime minister of Sweden, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Bildt’s address was on the topic of European unification. Following speech, Bildt answered listener questions. Harlan Cleveland, president of the World Academy of Art and Science, former Ambassador to NATO and the former Dean of the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, introduced Bildt. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
May 18, 1995 - On this Midday, MPR’s Mark Mulcahy reports on the status of Minnesota state legislative as session nears an end. Following report, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Steve Sviggum on jets and corporate blackmail, Larry Pogemiller on K-12 education, Becky Kelso on higher education, Carol Flynn on transportation, John Marty on elections and gift bans, Matt Entenza on child support, Ron Abrams on city/suburb wars, Gene Merriam on the big picture, and Doug Johnson on taxes.
May 18, 1995 - Public and political analyst Sarah Stoesz comments on organized labor discontent and its impact on Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor party.
May 23, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews U.S. Senator Rod Grams about wide-ranging tax relief bill being pitched in Congress.