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.
May 25, 1995 - Linda Kohl, director of Minnesota Planning Agency, details a new state agency that is being created - Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The idea is to provide better services to families.
May 27, 1995 - On this special Memorial Day weekend program, MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews Bill Halsey, WWI veteran; John O’Neil, WWII & Korean War veteran; and Mary Breed, Vietnam War veteran, share personal memories of war. The group also answers listener questions.
May 31, 1995 - As part of the Voices of Minnesota series, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews former Federal Judge Miles Lord, who talks about judicial temperament, politics, and his post judgeship as a personal injury attorney. Lord says he is in excellent health and having a very good time.
June 1, 1995 - On this Midday program, Michael Osterholm answers listener questions about infectious diseases and the effect of modern medical science.
June 1, 1995 - Tom Horner comments on the fight for choosing Independent Republican's party leadership. Horner also discusses the polarization between and within state political parties.
June 7, 1995 - Karen Ignagni, the president and CEO of Group Health Association of America, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Ignagni’s address was titled, “Medicare Reform: How It Will Change the Health Care Industry.” Following speech, Ignagni 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 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."