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.
February 23, 2004 - Ralph Nader announced Sunday that he will run as an Independent candidate in this year's presidential race. He is telling Democrats not to panic over his candidacy. He says he thinks he'll attract conservatives and other independents who are frustrated with President Bush's policies -- but that he won't lure away a lot of Democratic voters.
February 23, 2004 - Midday presents former President Jimmy Carter speaking at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Carter gives the keynote address and says Americans aren't doing enough to help people in developing countries.
February 25, 2004 - Author and Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent, Judith Miller, on the threat of biological warfare. She is the author of "Germs: Biological Weapons and America's Secret War".
February 26, 2004 - Hour 2 of Midday: Robert Janssen is one of Minnesota's best known birders. The 71-year-old Chanhassen resident is an author and co-author of several books about birds, including Birds In Minnesota. Janssen is the former president of the Minnesota Ornithologists Union. He talked recently with Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson.
February 27, 2004 - A Great Conversations event focusing on the loss of life, loss of innocence, and the jarring blow to Americans' sense of security following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Pauline Boss, University of Minnesota Family Social Science professor and author of "Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief," talks with Gail Sheehy, a cultural observer and best-selling journalist, and author of "Middletown, America: One Town's Passage from Trauma To Hope." The event was sponsored by the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing Education.
March 9, 2004 - Midday presents a report and conversation regarding Minnesota lawmaker’s debate of a bill that could lead to a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The constitution would state: "Only the union of one man and one woman will be recognized as a marriage in Minnesota."
March 11, 2004 - Target might sell Marshall Field's and Mervyn's chains. Minneapolis-based Target Corporation says it's considering the possible sale of its struggling Mervyn's and Marshall Field's chains. The Minneapolis-based retail chain says it's hired the Goldman Sachs firm to review the stores' future. Marshall Fields has stores in North Dakota's major cities. Industry watchers have expected the move. Guests on the program are University of St. Thomas marketing professor David Brennan, and Pioneer Press columnist Dave Beal.
March 11, 2004 - Music is the subject when Minnesota author Bill Holm takes the stage at the College of St. Benedict. In books and essays like "Box Elder Bug Variations" and "Playing the Black Piano", Holm has often explored the places where language and music intersect. The Wednesday evening event is at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph.
March 11, 2004 - A literary view with Bill Holm. Music is the subject when Minnesota author Bill Holm takes the stage at the College of St. Benedict. In books and essays like "Box Elder Bug Variations" and "Playing the Black Piano", Holm has often explored the places where language and music intersect. The Wednesday evening event is at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph.
March 12, 2004 - Paul Gruchow, the award-winning Minnesota writer, died Feb. 22 of a presumed drug overdose. He was honored Friday at a memorial reading organized by his publisher, Minneapolis-based Milkweed Editions. His books include Boundary Waters: The Grace of the Wild, winner of a 1998 Minnesota Book Award's Flanagan Prize; The Necessity of Empty Places; and Grass Roots: The Universe of Home, winner of a 1996 Minnesota Book Award.