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.
December 10, 2002 - The December edition of MPR's "Voices of Minnesota" series features conversations with two of the state's most interesting literary figures. Emilie Buchwald is a founder of Milkweed Editions and the winner of this year's McKnight Foundation Distinguished Artist award. We also hear from Mary Winstead, author of the new book, "Back to Mississippi."
December 16, 2002 - Curt Johnson, former executive director of the Citizens League, former chief of staff to Gov. Arne Carlson, and former chair of the Metropolitan Council, answers questions surrounding the state budget. The early stages of the budget debate have put people into two camps: those who say the state has to raise taxes to solve the budget shortfall and those who say the state spends too much and it's time to cut back. Is it possible for the state to reform the way it delivers services? Can Minnesota preserve the quality of service government provides, but cut the cost of providing those services?
December 16, 2002 - We delve into stories from Minnesota's past, with three Minnesota Public Radio documentaries. First, MPR's Dan Olson reports on Sister Elizabeth Kenny's efforts to fight the polio epidemic in the 1940's and 50's. The second part of the program is a report from MPR's Tim Post and Mark Steil on the 1862 Dakota Indian war, called "Minnesota's Uncivil War." Then, MPR's Mary Losure and Dan Olson report on the struggles of the Finns who immigrated to Minnesota's Iron Range at the turn of the century. This report is called "Finland Was a Poor Country."
December 19, 2002 - Over the past 20 years, the memoir has become one of the most popular and influential forms of literature. Patricia Hampl is credited with pioneering the memoir with her groundbreaking work, "A Romantic Education," published in 1981. She is currently a University of Minnesota Regents professor. Eva Hoffman is the author of three critically acclaimed works of nonfiction, including her widely read memoir about the immigration experience, "Lost in Translation." She is also winning rave reviews for her new novel, "The Secret."Patricia Hampl and Eva Hoffman discuss the memoir as a literary form. This broadcast is part of the University of Minnesota's "Great Conversations" series, and is called "The Art of Remembering."
December 25, 2002 - A variety of Christmas stories -- both classic and contemporary -- read by authors and Minnesota Public Radio personalities. Selections include Truman Capote reading his story "A Christmas Memory," and a tribute to the history of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
January 2, 2003 - The civil rights sit-ins and voter registration drives of the 1960's were dangerous, sometimes deadly. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is Monday, Jan. 20th, and in a "Voices of Minnesota" broadcast, we hear from Chuck McDew and Willie Mae Wilson. McDew is a founder and the first chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee or SNCC. Wilson was one of the thousands of people who marched with SNCC organizers to end segregation in southern cities.
January 17, 2003 - Many state agencies are looking for ways to trim their budgets in light of Governor Tim Pawlenty's proposal for fixing the $356 million shortfall in fiscal year. One of those agencies is the Metropolitan Council, which takes a $2.6 million cut in the governor's plan. Peter Bell, the new chair for the Met Council, talks about future plans and budget priorities.
February 13, 2003 - Hundreds of people, including nursing home residents, their relatives, and nursing home employees, held a rally at the state Capitol Thursday morning to urge lawmakers not to cut state funding for long-term care. That's a big order given the cost of nursing homes -- about $1 billion. How the state cares for the elderly and disabled in nursing homes is a huge issue for those people, their families, those who work in nursing homes and the cities and towns where the nursing homes are located.
February 13, 2003 - William George, former Medtronic CEO, talks about his experiences while working in an industry in which the products themselves may have ethical ramifications. He discusses how an individual and a leader sets the standards for the work that is done around him. How much should be expected from the people who direct the company in terms of their responsibility to the community?
February 27, 2003 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with former Major League Baseball pitcher Bert Blyleven about the potential success for the Minnesota Twins in the 2003 MLB season. Program also includes call-in from listeners.