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 1, 1996 - As it hovers around -20 degrees outside, Midday’s Gary Eichten asks headhunter Mark Sathe about how one is able to lure someone to move to Minnesota for a job or career.
February 1, 1996 - Joe Dowling, Guthrie Theater's new artistic director, visits the Minnesota Public Radio studios to discuss the new season of Guthrie plays and the theater world in general. Dowling also answers listener questions.
February 2, 1996 - On this Midday program, a discussion on the military situation in Bosnia with guests retired Marine Colonel David Evans, director of National Defense Issues for the organization Business Executives for National Security; and Debbie Lee, the assistant secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Guests also answer listener questions.
February 6, 1996 - Jean Bay, a health services manager at Honeywell, provides details on Life Savers Health Incentive Program, in which company offers monetary prizes to employees that succeed in improving one’s health by utilizing the program.
February 7, 1996 - Barb Sykora, former chair of the Republican State Party, comments on party spending.
February 8, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, a day after she gave her State of the City address. She talks about the condition of Minnesota's biggest city, with topics including mayoral role, violent crime, Minneapolis police, community programs, elementary education, and street drugs. Sayles Belton also answers listeners questions.
February 9, 1996 - Midday guest Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, answers listener questions on topics such as vouchers, discipline policies, all-day kindergarten, graduation standards, site-based management, and the other educational changes being discussed at the State Capitol.
February 13, 1996 - With the Iowa political caucuses results showing Bob Dole finishing first and Pat Buchanan finishing second, Republican activists Tom Horner and Sara Janacek discuss Republican presidential candidates’ views on some of the key issues of the day. Horner and Janacek also answer listener questions.
February 14, 1996 - Midday presents John Dalton, Secretary of Navy, speaking at the National Press Club. Speech is entitled The State of the Navy.
February 15, 1996 - A Midday call-in program with award-winning writer James Fallows whose new book is titled Breaking the News: How the Media Undermine American Democracy.