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.
June 8, 1995 - Becky Kelso, state representative for District 35B and chair of Minnesota House Education Finance Committee, talks about University of Minnesota’s plan for cutting jobs while raising tuition.
June 8, 1995 - Susan Wolf, University of Minnesota law professor and associate at Minnesota Center for Biomedical Ethics, provides commentary on how medical ethics apply when deciding who is eligible for transplants.
June 10, 1995 - Stefan Fatsis, author of "Wild and Outside: How a Renegade Minor League Revived the Spirit of Baseball in America's Heartland," discusses the popularity of minor league baseball and interest in outdoor stadiums. Fatsis also answers listener questions.
June 12, 1995 - Linda Wertheimer, host of NPR’s All Things Considered, speaking at Augsburg College. Wertheimer address was on the topic of her time at National Public Radio. Wertheimer has written a book called "Listening to America: 25 Years in the Life of a Nation as Heart on National Public Radio."
June 13, 1995 - Hedrick Smith, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, speaking at the Minnesota Business Roundtable held in Minneapolis. Smith’s address was on the topic of connection between business and the educational system. Smith has produced a PBS documentary “Challenge to America,” and book is titled "Re-Thinking America: A New Game Plan from the American Innovators: Schools, Business, People, and Work." After speech, program presents a brief NPR report on teacher potentially being fired for using books with gay characters in her English class.
June 15, 1995 - Alan Blinder, vice chair of the Federal Reserve, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Blinder’s address was titled, “The U.S. Economy: How Long Will Growth Continue?” Following speech, Blinder answered audience questions. 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.
June 17, 1995 -
June 20, 1995 - Chris Georgacas, Independent Republican state party chair, provides commentary into the IR candidate field that will potentially run against incumbent U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone.
June 20, 1995 - A call-in program with Jean Keffeler, the Chair of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.
June 21, 1995 - A special Mainstreet Radio broadcast From the Chuckwagon in Cleveland, Minnesota. Host Mark Steil presents a report and panel discussion about controversy over large hog production. It’s a battle between efficiency and economical supply vs. concerns over environmental impact to rural residents and economic hardships to small farms.