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.
April 26, 1996 - Midday presents Rockin The Boat, a PRI documentary on South Africa's journey from apartheid to democracy. In 1994, South Africa held its first all-race multi-party elections, putting an end to decades of minority rule. This program traces South Africa's path through the apartheid years with the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg, and more.
April 29, 1996 - Jerrold Peterson, economist at University of Minnesota-Duluth, discusses the state of economy in northern Minnesota with the decline of mining operations in the region as a major employer.
May 1, 1996 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker gives his impressions of the Minnesota Twins during the first month of 1996 MLB season.
May 1, 1996 - MPR’s Gar Eichten interviews U.S. Senator Rod Grams about raising gas taxes across the country and discussion of repeal of federal gas tax increase.
May 2, 1996 - Midday presents Scott Cook, the Founder and Chairman of Intuit, speaking at Minnesota Meeting held at Hilton in downtown Minneapolis. Cook’s address was titled "Buying and Selling in Cyberspace: The Future of Electronic Commerce and Financial Services in the Information Age." After speech, Cook answers audience questions.
May 3, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Debbie Vigdal, charter member of Saints & Sinners fan club, about her feelings regarding the St. Paul Saints signing of Darryl Strawberry.
May 3, 1996 - Midday examines proposals to change the way campaign advertising is done with guests Dean Alger, political science professor and member of the Minnesota Compact Coalition; and Sarah Janecek, co-author of the newsletter "Politics in Minnesota."
May 6, 1996 - Midday examines land mines and their disastrous effects. In the first half of the program, a rebroadcast of the Minnesota Public Radio documentary about about efforts to clear land mines in Cambodia called A Plague of Plastic Soldiers. Afterwards, a call-in program about land mines and defense and military procurement issues with David Evans, director of National Defense Issues for Business Executives for National Security.
May 7, 1996 - Lisa Peterson, vice-president of government relations at Minnesota Trucking Association, discusses reasons organization and its members want gas tax cut.
May 8, 1996 - Midday presents a special Talk of Minnesota program to hear the views of Minnesota Public Radio listeners on the proposed cut in the federal gas tax repeal and energy conservation in general.