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.
November 16, 2004 - Elmer Andersen was only Minnesota's governor for two years, but his impact on the state went far beyond his single term as chief executive. Andersen served nine years in the state senate, led his company, H.B. Fuller, into the Fortune 500, chaired the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents, published newspapers, authored books, and was remembered by friend and Minnesota Historical Society Director Nina Archabal as "the ultimate Minnesotan." Other guests on the program include, Lori Sturdevant,Star Tribune Editorial Writer and Columnist who edited Gov. Elmer Andersen's memoir, "A Man's Reach," and other friends and admirers of the late governor.
November 19, 2004 - From golfing in the arctic circle to 22-day roller coaster marathons, acclaimed sportswriter Steve Rushin is out with a new book on extreme recreation. "The Caddie was a Reindeer" is a compilation of Rushin's tender odes to his old favorites like basketball and hockey, as well as off-the-wall explorations of off-the-map sports. What drives a person to go zipping through the mountains of Germany at 180 miles per hour, anyway?Guests: Steve Rushin writes the popular "Air and Space" column in Sports Illustrated. Minnesota native.
November 22, 2004 - Renowned Minnesotan science writer William Souder is out with a new book on a man who made important contributions, not only to the world of ornithology, but also the world of art: John James Audubon. In "Under a Wild Sky," Souder paints the picture of a deeply complex and conflicted Audubon, who failed at a number of endeavors before stumbling upon the career that made him famous.Guests: William Souder's previous book was called "A Plague of Frogs."
November 23, 2004 - The federal government weighs in this week on the environmental and economic impact posed by two proposals to deal with congestion along the Twin Cities' Central Corridor. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has appointed a panel to make a recommendation soon on whether the 11-mile stretch of University Avenue connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul should get a bus rapid transit lane or a light rail line. With a million more people expected in the metro area over the next 25 years, what's the best long-term solution? Peter Bell, chair of the Metropolitan Council joins to discuss.
November 24, 2004 - Voices of Minnesota pays a visit to two prominent Catholic leaders in the state: Father Larry Snyder, the new head of Catholic Charities USA, and Sister Andrea Lee, president of College of St. Catherine in St. Paul.
December 3, 2004 - Amy Tan, author of the bestselling novel "The Joy Luck Club," paid a visit to the Commonwealth Club of California this fall to discuss the relationship between her life and her work. She talked about the lessons she learned from her Chinese-American mother, her best friend's murder and her more recent battle with Lyme disease.
December 10, 2004 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Carl Eller, former Viking and Pro Football Hall of Famer. Eller’s Hall of Fame speech focused on the future of young African American men.
December 27, 2004 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik prepared this documentary, looking back at Minnesota's battleground role in the 2004 race for the White House. Includes numerous interviews and speeches.
January 3, 2005 - Voices of Minnesota talks business. Voices of Minnesota goes in-depth with two of the state's most prominent business leaders: Marilyn Carlson Nelson, the head of Carlson Companies, and Dr. Hugh Smith, the chair of the Mayo Clinic's board of governors in Rochester.
January 17, 2005 - In anticipation of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's annual "State of the State" address in Rochester on Tuesday, three former Minnesota governors talk about what they would say if they were in the Pawlenty's shoes today. They also look back on their days as the state's chief executive.