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.
September 19, 1995 - U.S. Senator Rod Grams discusses family tax/social security tax credit plan being debated in the U.S. Senate Chamber.
September 20, 1995 - Matthew Little, former president of the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP; Curt Johnson, chair of the Metropolitan Council and Minneapolis State; and Larry Pogemiller, Minnesota state senator, discuss the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's lawsuit against the state of Minnesota involving school desegregation.
September 21, 1995 - NewsNight Minnesota KTCA special on Rudy Perpich's death. Includes various interviews and speeches form Perpich over the years, and comments on Perpich's legacy from Minnesotans.
September 21, 1995 - A special Talk of Minnesota program, reflecting on the life and times of Rudy Perpich, the former Minnesota governor, who passed away earlier in the afternoon. Program presents reports from the capitol, and commentary from individuals who knew Perpich. MPR’s Gary Eichten also takes comments from listeners.
September 21, 1995 - Midday presents a Twin Cities speech by Pulitzer Prize winning author Anna Quindlen entitled Living Out Loud: Life in the 1930s. She spoke as part of a family lecture series given at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
September 22, 1995 - An MPR retrospective of the late former Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich. Highlights various reports, speeches, interviews and commentary. Following the MPR radio scrapbook, Hy Berman, history professor at University of Minnesota, discusses Perpich and his political legacy.
October 6, 1995 - The first national director of the American Indian Movement, Russell Means, in studio discussing his new book: "Where White Men Fear to Tread: The autobiography of Russell Means."
October 10, 1995 - Lynne Cheney, former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Cheney’s address was titled, “Telling the Truth: Why Our Culture Has Stopped Making Sense and What We Can Do About It.” Following speech, Cheney 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.
October 12, 1995 - Rosabeth Moss Kanter, author and professor at the Harvard Business School, speaking at a forum for local business leaders, sponsored by the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce the Ceridian Corporation. Kanter’s address was on the topic “World Class: Thriving Locally in the Global Economy.” Kanter has written numerous books, including "World Class: Thriving Locally in a Global Economy."
October 12, 1995 - Cal Haworth, Minnesota chair of MADD, discusses the state laws in place for drunk driving and concerns of court decisions in determining sentencing, especially for public figures.