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.
March 28, 1995 - Judith Martin talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about a poll showing happiness in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. Martin describes innate differences between dense Twin Cities and sprawling suburban experience.
March 29, 1995 - Jack Gillis, author and public affairs director of The Consumer Federation of America, discusses tips and information on buying a vehicle. Gillis also answers listener questions.
March 31, 1995 - Midday presents a WCAL documentary from The Live of Children series, titled “A Good Hmong Girl.” Documentary explores Hmong girls and women adjusting to life in the United States during the 90s. Topics include struggle against traditional Hmong culture, abuse issues, and depression.
April 3, 1995 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker shares his thoughts on the state of professional baseball coming out of Major League Baseball strike. Sinker sees a long road ahead in getting fans excited again about the game.
April 3, 1995 - As the Minnesota Twins come out of the Major League Baseball strike, Jerry Bell shares discount program for upcoming game tickets. Bell also expresses the ongoing concern for small market teams over a lack of revenue sharing in the MLB.
April 4, 1995 - Roger Moe, majority leader of the Minnesota Senate, talks about the state property tax reform.
April 5, 1995 - Darin Narayana, executive vice president of the World Banking Group at Norwest Corporation, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Narayana’s address was titled, “Mexico's Financial Crisis: Will the Rest of South and Central America Be Next? Following speech, Narayana answered listener 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.
April 6, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten gets the spelling bee lowdown from Mary Theurer of Staples, Minnesota. Thuerer details the preparations and experience of students participating in state’s spelling bee.
April 10, 1995 - Midday presents Oliver Sacks, professor of clinical neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the author of "An Anthropologist on Mars," speaking at Macalester College in St. Paul about his book.
April 12, 1995 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on his views of federal "corporate welfare." Wellstone describes various bills going through the Congress.