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 2, 2003 - Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and executive director at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government spoke Wednesday at the University of Minnesota. Power says the United States should do more to try to stop genocide throughout the world. Her recent book is "A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide". The event was arranged by The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts.
May 6, 2003 - Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Caro gave Monday's Distinguished Carlson Lecture at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. He is the author of a multi-volume biography of Lyndon Johnson, the most recent book is Master of the Senate, which won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize.
May 7, 2003 - Gov. Pawlenty, former governors Quie and Anderson and Vice President Mondale are all attending a tribute dinner for longtime Sen. Roger Moe. Sen. Moe reflects on his decades at the Capitol, reflecting on a career in public service.
May 12, 2003 - A Midday broadcast of four former Minnesota governors (Arne Carlson, Wendell Anderson, Elmer L. Andersen, and Al Quie) speaking at the 2003 Freeman Forum - Community, Consensus & the Common Good.
May 15, 2003 - Renowned writer and University of Minnesota Regent's professor Patricia Hampl delivers a speech entitled The Inside Story: How Autobiography Can Change Your Life - and World History. The literary memoir has grown in popularity and cultural influence over the past few decades, invading territory once held by historians and novels. Hampl discusses the power of the first-person narrative. The event, the 2003 Lindbergh Lecture, took place at the Minnesota History Center on Tuesday.
May 16, 2003 - Last week the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis turned 40 years old. As part of a special celebration, the theater invited one of the actors from its 1963 acting company back to the stage, Hume Cronyn. The 91-year-old stage and screen actor talked with Joe Dowling, the Guthrie's artistic director, during a special "in conversation" event last week. Cronyn talked about the early days of the Guthrie, his approach to acting, and his experiences working with different directors and actors during his career.
May 21, 2003 - Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Anna Quindlen, in a speech given Tuesday at a luncheon sponsored by the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund. The event was the group's 21st Annual Celebration of Women's Leadership in Minnesota Government.
May 26, 2003 - The Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start for the summer tourist season. Tourism contributes nearly $10 billion to Minnesota's economy. Resorts and other tourist-oriented businesses are hoping for a summer season that will compensate for several years of struggle. Many Minnesotans will head to the water for a long weekend of fishing.
May 26, 2003 - A special Memorial Day broadcast featuring a speech by the late World War II historian Stephen Ambrose, remarks from Memorial Day ceremonies, essays, and a conversation with Vietnam veteran Jon Hovde of Fertile, Minnesota. Also, a birthday essay from Gary Eichten to friend and war vet, William (Bill) Gagnier.
May 30, 2003 - Michael Lewis, the author of "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game", spoke in the Twin Cities Wednesday about the economics of baseball.