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.
August 16, 1995 - Call-in on the findings of a survey on women's concerns, priorities, and solutions.
August 18, 1995 - Arne Carlson, Minnesota governor, speaking to school administrators at Radisson hotel in Bloomington. Carlson addressed was about ways to improve Minnesota's education system. The Governor said school buildings should be open for a longer day and spoke about vouchers, performance-based pay, changes in teacher tenure and collective bargaining. Following speech, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews Larry Pogemiller, Minnesota state senator and chair of the Senate Education Committee; and Alice Johnson, DFLMinnesota state representative and chair of the House Education Committee, give a DFL response to his speech. Mulcahy also takes listener comments.
August 22, 1995 - A call-in program about big-time university athletics featuring Mark Diehart, director of men's athletics at the University of Minnesota.
August 24, 1995 - Midday presents a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair featuring U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, DFL-Minnesota. Wellstone answers questions from fairgoers and MPR listeners.
August 25, 1995 - Midday presents two pieces: A Soundprint piece titled Giptown, which looks at former sideshow performers who are now residents of Gibsonton, Florida; and a Voices of Minnesota segment profiling former Minnesota Twins owner Calvin Griffith.
August 28, 1995 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Garrison Keillor hosts the second annual "Do you know Minnesota?” quiz.
August 30, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Mark Jarboe, attorney and head of Dorsey & Whitney’s Indian Law department, about American Indian law sovereignty.
August 30, 1995 - On this special Midday live broadcast at the Minnesota State Fair, Host Gary Eichten talks with a NASA shuttle astronaut and University of Minnesota astronomy professor about the latest in space exploration and shuttle missions.
August 31, 1995 - Rep. Martin Sabo, DFL-5th district, answers questions from listeners.
September 4, 1995 - A Midday interview with Barb Frey, executive director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, while she is in Beijing for the UN Women's Conference.