Collection
Midday
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.
4,419 Collection Items
- Bellamy, Rambo, and Harrison on the legacy of the Black Arts Movement
As part of Arts Week, MPR’s Marianne Combs has a conversation with scholar Paul Carter Harrison and Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy. The group discusses the history behind the Black Arts Movement and its impact.
- Midday presents Gary Eichten's last broadcast
MPR's Cathy Wurzer and Minnesota Public Radio listeners turn the tables and ask questions of legendary host Gary Eichten as MPR's pre-eminent news host retires on January 20, 2012, after 45 years of radio broadcasting.
- "Heckuva Farewell" - Walter Mondale headlines Eichten's MPR farewell at the Fitzgerald Theater
A broadcast of "Heckuva Farewell," an event for MPR’s Gary Eichten, held at the Fitzgerald Theater on January 19, 2012. For his last Midday show, Gary interviews Vice President Mondale, Minnesota's senior statesman. The two hold a wide-ranging political discussion.
- Keith Ellison discusses race and religion on Rev. Martin Luther King Day
Midday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a discussion about race and religion in America with guest Keith Ellison (D-MN), U.S. representative for the Minnesota 5th District.
- Garrison Keillor on his career and future
A Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor joins Midday to talk about his long career in radio and where his popular program is headed. Keillor also answers listener questions.
- Kevin Kling's "Of Mirth and Mischief"
Midday presents a broadcast of Of Mirth and Mischief, a performance of stories, winter fairies, and elves from writer and humorist Kevin Kling at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.
- Re-broadcast of Lisa See speaking on her Chinese American heritage
Midday re-broadcasts Lisa See, author of Shanghai Girls and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, speaking at the Hennepin Country Central Library in downtown Minneapolis as part of the Talk of the Stacks series. See discusses her writing and the influence of her Chinese American heritage.
- Mark Dayton reviews his first year as governor
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton reflects on the first year of his four-year term and answers questions about taxes, the budget, education policies, public employee unions, Vikings stadium, and more. Dayton also answers listener questions.
- Two Nature Writers Share Love of Lakes
Jerry Dennis and Darby Nelson have written about lakes, great and small. What do we most value about lakes and what should be done to protect them? Guests: Darby Nelson: Author of "For Love of Lakes." Aquatic ecologist and professor emeritus, Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Served three terms as Minnesota State Representative. Former board president, Conservation Minnesota. Currently on the board of the Freshwater Society.
- Congressman Tim Walz on the wars and the budget
On this Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with DFL Congressman Tim Walz. The two discuss the The congressional “supercommittee” efforts to cut the federal budget deficit by $1.2. Walz joined a bipartisan group urging the panel to "go big" and exceed the minimum target. During conversation, the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are addressed. Walz also answers listener questions.