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.
June 30, 1995 - Samuel Myers, director of the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey Institute, speaking to forum held at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. Topic of forum was, "The American Community: Implications for Social Policy," and examined the role of government in building a sense of community, and how political parties and the political process affect community. Myers presents his views on subject.
June 30, 1995 - Judith Martin talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about how neighborhoods and race are many times intertwined.
June 30, 1995 - Call-in with new Commissioner of Department of Children and Families, Linda Kohl.
July 1, 1995 - On this special "outdoor patio" Saturday Midday, MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews Phil Muller, of the Outdoor Cooking Store. Muller share various tips on the best approaches to grilling. Muller also answers listener questions.
July 3, 1995 - Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone discusses the latest in Congress. Topics include rescissions bill, balanced budget, defense spending, cuts, and energy renewables. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
July 6, 1995 - Jim Ramstad, U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 3rd District, gives his views of tax proposals and debates going on in Congress.
July 7, 1995 - A special edition of First Friday, presenting Connie Goldman's "Richard Avedon - A Sound Portrait.” Goldman interviews photographer Richard Avedon, where they discuss Avedon’s work and his thoughts and process of photography.
July 7, 1995 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker provides commentary about Minnesota Twins trade of Rick Aguilera as the team finds itself with a dismal mid-season record.
July 8, 1995 - Call-in program featuring University of Minnesota extension horticulturist Deb Brown on summer gardening
July 11, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews historian Arthur McWatt about the history of Black people in Minnesota and the early days of the civil rights movement here. McWatt reflects on Roy Wilkins and local NAACP.