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.
May 9, 1996 - Local political commentator Tom Horner comments on a survey that show the public believes that if Bob Dole becomes the U.S. President, that taxes will be raised.
May 10, 1996 - Bill Kling, president of Minnesota Public Radio, and Steve Rothschild, MPR board member, discuss a Minnesota Attorney General investigation into executive compensation, other financial matters at MPR, and its affiliated for-profit companies. They express their concern on perceptions and misunderstanding of organization’s funding. Kling and Rothschild also answer listener questions.
May 13, 1996 - Midday puts the focus on education as MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews David Berliner, professor at Arizona State University and author of the book The Manufactured Crisis: Myths, Fraud, and the Attack on America's Public Schools. Berliner also answers listener questions.
May 13, 1996 - Tim Giago, publisher of Lakota Times, comments on Chip Wadena, tribal gaming, and the varied forms and challenges of tribal government.
May 16, 1996 - Midday presents Nobel Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison speaking as the distinguished Carlson lecturer at the University of Minnesota. Morrison’s speech was entitled “Mutual Hesitancies,” looking at the relationship between fiction and history.
May 17, 1996 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger takes a walking audio tour of The Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Enger talks with Joyce Wedll, the museum manager about the purposes of museum for both tribal members and tourists.
May 17, 1996 - Pam Schomaker, survey manager of Minnesota Center for Survey Research at the University of Minnesota, discusses latest on research, data…and misinformation.
May 20, 1996 - Midday speaks with Minnesota 8th District Congressman Jim Oberstar, whose in the studio to talk about aviation safety, the BWCA, the congressional debate over the budget, and more. Oberstar, the senior member of Minnesota's congressional delegation, also answers listener questions.
May 21, 1996 - MPR film critic Debra Alexander comments on Joel and Ethan films and the adoration they receive at Cannes Film Festival. The Coen brothers are at French film for their film Fargo.
May 22, 1996 - Dr. Michael Maddaus, a participant in local Father to Father program, describes it’s importance. Vice President Al Gore visits the Twin Cities to support the mentoring program.