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.
August 30, 1995 - On this special Midday live broadcast at the Minnesota State Fair, Host Gary Eichten talks with a NASA shuttle astronaut and University of Minnesota astronomy professor about the latest in space exploration and shuttle missions.
August 31, 1995 - Rep. Martin Sabo, DFL-5th district, answers questions from listeners.
September 4, 1995 - A Midday interview with Barb Frey, executive director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, while she is in Beijing for the UN Women's Conference.
September 8, 1995 - Call-in program with two guests live from Beijing, China at United Nations Conference on Women.
September 9, 1995 - University of Minnesota horticulturist, Deb Brown, will answer questions about fall lawn and garden care.
September 11, 1995 - Best-selling author Gail Sheehy talks about her newest book, "New Passages: Mapping Your Life across Time."
September 13, 1995 - Lynn Blewett, director of Health & Economics at Minnesota Health department, explains provision in Medicare plan being formulated in Congress that would create tax exempt saving accounts, partially funded by government.
September 18, 1995 - Studs Terkel, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and oral historian Studs Terkel, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Terkel’s address was on the topic of observations of the Information Age. Following speech, Terkel answered audience questions. Terkel has written numerous books, including “The Good War” and "Coming of Age: The Story of Our Century by Those Who Have Lived It". 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.
September 18, 1995 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger reports on Project Grow, a program focused on developing food planting and produce services as a way to counter the growing issue of diabetes in Native American communities. It’s a callback to traditional ways regarding food and preparation.
September 19, 1995 - Pam Fine, news leader of the Minneapolis Star Tribune; and Ken Doctor, managing editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, discuss present and future of newspapers, as the competition of TV and internet evolves. Fine and Doctor also answer listener questions.