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.
April 13, 1995 - Midday presents Mary Pipher, author and clinical psychologist, speaking to the Forum on Women in Leadership held at the College of St. Catherine. The 1994-95 theme was ‘Breaking Barriers II.’
April 13, 1995 - Cal Larson, state senator representing the 10th District, details his plan submitted at the state capitol that increased property valuation cannot be higher than the consumer price index (CPI).
April 17, 1995 - Stephen Young, an attorney who was with the USAID in Vietnam and taught Vietnamese history at the University of Minnesota; and Steve Sherlock, a Vietnam combat veteran, former activist in Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and founder and president of Aid to Southeast Asia, discuss the Vietnam War and any lessons that can be learned from U.S. involvement. Young and Sherlock also answer listener questions.
April 21, 1995 - On this Midday program, Dr. Stephen Carter, author of the book The Culture of Disbelief: How American Law and Politics Trivializes Religious Devotion, talks in the MPR studios about religion and public life.
April 24, 1995 - Midday presents President Bill Clinton speaking in the Twin Cities at the annual meeting of the American Association of Community Colleges. Clinton addresses the ongoing tragedy in Oklahoma City and his ideas for education reform and the importance of community colleges in the educational system.
April 26, 1995 - Annual “Earth Day” Open Forum Town Meeting, presenting guest speaker Paul Hawken, businessman and author. Hawken addresses how business can become a friend of the environment. Hawken’s books include “The Ecology of Commerce” and “Growing a Business.”
April 26, 1995 - Attorney General Skip Humphrey comments on U.S. Supreme Court ruling that threw out a federal law that bans a guns from 1,000 ft of school grounds. Humphrey notes that there is a state law in place that is still in effect.
April 26, 1995 - A Midday call-in program about the ethical issues involved in genetic testing with guest Susan Wolf, member of the University of Minnesota Center for Biomedical Ethics.
April 27, 1995 - With the home opener at hand, local sports commentator Howard Sinker gives his rough appraisal of Minnesota Twins in the 1995 MLB season.
April 27, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews a member of the Minnesota Health Department about the quality and safety of tap water in Minnesota, either sourced from wells, lakes, streams, or public water supply.