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.
November 18, 1995 - John Tester, University of Minnesota professor and author of the book "Minnesota's natural heritage: An ecological perspective," discusses Minnesota's natural resources and takes listener questions.
November 20, 1995 - Nick Hayes, history professor at Hamline University, discusses the prospects for peace in the former Yugoslavia, with Bosnian peace talks being held at Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Ohio. Hayes also answers listener questions.
November 22, 1995 - Minnesota judges Dale Wolf and Donovan Frank, speaking at Open Forum Town Meeting. The theme of meeting was “The Price of Justice”. The discussion is on question of fairness in court system. Following speeches, the justices answer audience questions.
November 22, 1995 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone gives his thoughts and shares his concerns on the idea of American troops going to Bosnia in efforts to support the peace process in the region.
November 22, 1995 - On this Midday, a proposed tax cut for eligible families is the subject of this special Talk of Minnesota call-in program.
November 23, 1995 - Midday presents Paul Harvey, legendary radio broadcaster, delivering the keynote address to the Salvation Army's National Conference in the Twin Cities. Harvey’s address was on the numerous and serious problems facing our country, and the need for services to poor people and disaster victims being greater now than ever.
November 24, 1995 - Garrison Keillor speaks at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis about poetry. He reads a selection of poems and shares his views on what poetry is all about.
November 28, 1995 - Local IRS spokesman Eric Smith talks about tax law and how frequent flier miles benefits may be taxable.
November 30, 1995 - Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Jasinowski’s address was titled “Making It in America: The Return of U.S. Industry as the Best in the World.” Following speech, Jasinowski 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.
December 6, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten provides various news items and interviews U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo about status of budget negotiations in D.C.