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 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.
October 25, 1995 - U.S. Senator Rod Grams comments on Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and kid tax credits and how they relate to tax cuts being proposed in Congress. Grams states that he believes abuse is taking place in social program.
October 27, 1995 - Bonnie Campbell, director of the U.S. Justice Department's Violence Against Women office; Sheila Wellstone, U.S. senator Wellstone’s spouse; and Chief Judge Donovan Frank, of the 6th Judicial District in Northeastern Minnesota, discuss domestic violence and the Violence Against Women Act. The program guests also answer listener questions.
October 28, 1995 - Echo Bodine, ghostbuster, talks about the spirits. Author Michael Norman talks about his book "Historic Haunted America."
October 30, 1995 - A lively Midday discussion about the proposed "Jobs and a Fair Wage Initiative" which will be voted on in St. Paul. Studio guests are St. Paul businessman John McCarty and former St. Paul City Council member Paula Maccabee.
October 31, 1995 - Janet Ryan shares information the on origins and folklore of Halloween with Midday’s Gary Eichten.
November 1, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy about the history of Congress and President in the use of U.S. troops. McCarthy discusses the situation in Bosnia.
November 3, 1995 - Kathleen Hall Jamieson, political communications expert, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Jamieson’s address was titled, “Kathleen Hall Jamieson - Election Year 1996: Can Minnesota Put an End to Attack Politics?” Following speech, Jamieson 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.