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 16, 1996 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger reports on "King of the Hill" toughman contest has sparked an uproar on the White Earth Reservation in northwestern Minnesota. The event is like boxing, except that anyone can enter…and as the ads say, the last one left standing wins $5,000. With that sort of incentive, the fight card filled quickly, but opponents of the contest say there's enough violence on the Reservation, without paying for more.
February 20, 1996 - Joan Growe, Minnesota Secretary of State, examines the possibility of a presidential primary happening in Minnesota. The state has long had a caucus system in place. 1992 was the first time in decades that a primary took place in the state. Growe also answers listener questions.
February 21, 1996 - Midday presents Keith Lockhart, the artistic director of the Boston Pops Orchestra, speaking at the National Press Club. Lockhart talks of the importance of education and support of the arts.
February 22, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring Washington Post political writer E. J. Dionne, the author of the acclaimed book, Why American s Hate Politics.
February 23, 1996 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil reports on new prison in Waseca, Minnesota. The former college campus has been developed into a low security federal correctional institution, but not without concerns from some local residents who see it as detrimental to community and property values.
February 23, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, who previews his State of the City Address. Coleman discusses the current conditions and future prospects for the city of St. Paul. Topics include local crime, riverfront development, taxes, and reinvestment. Coleman also answers listener questions.
February 26, 1996 - Duane Benson, executive director Minnesota Business Partnership, comments on the loss of local ownership of companies.
February 28, 1996 - Midday presents Defense Secretary William Perry speaking at the National Press Club, who discusses US-Russia relations, among other topics.
February 29, 1996 - Robert Reich, U.S. Secretary of Labor, joins Midday from Washington D.C. to talk about his proposals to address the economic insecurity many Americans face, the unemployment situation, and to answer listener questions.
March 4, 1996 - Midday presents Vice President Al Gore speaking at the National Press Club. Gore talks about the role of the federal government in achieving a balanced budget. He answers questions from the National Press Club audience as well.