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.
March 5, 1996 - On precinct caucus day, Midday speaks with Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate. Guests include Bert McKasy, attorney and former state commerce commissioner; Roy Terwilliger, bank president; and Steve Young, attorney former dean at Hamline University Law School. The candidates discuss their views and and running against DFL incumbent Paul Wellstone. They also answer listener questions.
March 12, 1996 - A Midday call-in program about the proposals to expand the Twin Cities International Airport, or build a new one. Studio guests are two members of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, John Himle from Bloomington; and Steve Cramer from Minneapolis.
March 14, 1996 - Midday presents Mike Wallace, of the CBS television program "60 Minutes," speaking at the National Press Club. Wallace talks about corporate influence on the media and freedom of the press.
March 14, 1996 - Frank Wood, commissioner of Minnesota State Corrections, comments on prisons costs on taxpayers, sentencing, and his reaction to a state analysis report.
March 15, 1996 - Midday guest Bernard Brommer, president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, talks about jobs and economic trends, worker training, job security, wages, and the role of unions. Broomer also answers listener questions.
March 21, 1996 - Midday guest U.S. Senator Bill Bradley talks about his New York Times best-selling book Time Present, Time Past and answers listener questions.
March 22, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton about children in society and her book entitled It Takes a Village.
March 22, 1996 - Midday presents a discussion on political integrity with guest Stephen Carter of Yale University, who is out with book titled Integrity. Carter also answers listener questions.
March 27, 1996 - Midday’s Gar Eichten interviews Moonyeen Bongaards, deputy chair of Minnesota State Republican Party, talks about her decision to move her nomination support from Pat Buchanan to Bob Dole.
March 28, 1996 - Midday discusses the 1996 Education Bill and changes in public education with guests DFL State Senator Larry Pogemiller, the chair of the Senate Education Committee; and Republican State Senator Gen Olson. Guests also answer listeners questions.