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.
June 17, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten discusses the results of the Russian presidential election with guest Nick Hayes, live from Moscow. Hayes is a history professor at Hamline University in St. Paul. He has lived and traveled in Russia and studied Russian politics and culture for many years.
June 19, 1996 - On this Midday program, a discussion on religion and spirituality in the 1990s and the role of churches in society with guest Al Quie, former Minnesota Governor and Chairman of the Greater Twin Cities Billy Graham Crusade. Quie also answers listener questions.
June 20, 1996 - Michael Martin, a gang specialist for the Minneapolis Police Department, talks about Twin Cities gangs and efforts to curb gang activity and growth.
June 25, 1996 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks about his efforts to find enough votes in U.S. Senate for a campaign finance reform bill, which would ban PAC money and create various contribution requirements, amongst other items.
June 25, 1996 - Minnesota House Speaker Irv Anderson shares his thoughts on findings that Minnesota is high on list of states with high property taxes.
June 26, 1996 - The Reform Party's endorsed candidate for the U.S. Senate, Dean Barkley, is on Midday to answer listener questions, as part of a series of programs with the candidates for U.S. Senate which will be running on Midday during summer and fall.
June 27, 1996 - Midday rebroadcasts the Minnesota Public Radio documentary Signs and Wonders, produced by Mary Losure. It takes a look at tongue-speaking and the rapidly growing Pentecostalism movement.
July 1, 1996 - Mark Rotenberg, University of Minnesota general counsel on Supreme Court affirmative action and how it could affect U of M admissions.
July 1, 1996 - Imation, a data corporation, is starting a new life as an independent company in Oakdale. MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Dennis Farmer, vice president for Marketing at Imation about the organization and its future.
July 3, 1996 - Midday examines juvenile crime with guests Hennepin County Juvenile Court Chief Judge Charles Porter and Minneapolis Police Sergeant Bret Lindback. Topics include first-time offenders, juvenile justice system, and current trends. Porter and Lindback also answer listener questions.