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 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.
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.