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.
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.
October 13, 1995 - Paul Thatcher, member of state professional sports task force; Dee Long, state representative; and Michael Danielson, author and Princeton professor, discuss professional sports versus public dollars. The guests also answer listener questions.
October 13, 1995 - Dean Abrahamson, professor at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute, comments on Joseph Rotblat being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Rotblat has been a leading critic of nuclear weaponry and argues that scientists should tale responsibility of their inventions.
October 16, 1995 - With the Million Man March going on in Washington D.C., Gary Eichten discusses event with Jerry Blakey, St. Paul council member, and Kwame McDonald, executive director of Inner City Youth League. Blakey and McDonald also answer listener questions. Additional program segment of a first-hand perspective from Kevin Young, a Minneapolis carpenter, marching in D.C.
October 17, 1995 - Michael Moen, director of Disease Prevention and Control Division at Minnesota Health Department, comments on state of public health system in the country and in Minnesota. Topic of battling infectious diseases is highlighted.
October 23, 1995 - Midday takes a look at the current mission and future of the United Nations. Guests Dick Price, political science professor at the University of Minnesota; and Harold Stassen, former Minnesota Governor and an original signer of the UN Charter over 50 years ago, share their thoughts about the organization.
October 25, 1995 - A Midday broadcast of Nadine Strossen, president of the American Civil Liberties Union, speaking at the Silha Lecture Series, sponsored by the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Strossen’s address was titled "Should Media Sex and Violence be Censored or Censured?" Topics in talk included pornography, TV "crime" news, the O.J. Simpson case, internet content, and child protections. After speech, Strossen answered audience questions.