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.
September 20, 1996 - MPR reporter Mary Losure interviews the U.S. Senate candidates on environmental issues and compiled their responses.
September 23, 1996 - A Garrison Keillor documentary about F. Scott Fitzgerald entitled Fitzgerald in St. Paul, on the eve of his 100th birthday commemoration. Program includes interviews, music elements, and readings.
September 24, 1996 - A Garrison Keillor documentary about F. Scott Fitzgerald entitled Fitzgerald in St. Paul, on the eve of his 100th birthday commemoration. Program includes interviews, music elements, and readings.
September 27, 1996 - Midday discusses foreign policy issues the U.S. President will face in the next term. Guests are Martin Sampson, political science professor at the University of Minnesota; Roy Grow, international relations instructor at Carleton College; Norma Noonan, political science instructor at Augsburg College; Nick Hayes, history professor at Hamline University; and Barbara Frey, executive director of Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.
September 30, 1996 - A special Midday re-broadcast of national "Congressional Debate" in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Debate features Newt Gingrich, speaker of the House; Trent Lott, Senate majority leader; Tom Daschle, Senate minority leader; and Dick Gephardt, House minority leader. Topics include Medicare, Family First, tax credits, terrorism, and environment. Debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer, host of PBS’s NewsHour. After debate, political analysts Tom Horner and Bob Meek provide commentary on debates and report on the congressional elections in Minnesota.
September 30, 1996 - A special extended Midday program about 1996 election with two debates and commentary.
September 30, 1996 - Roger Moe, Minnesota Senate majority leader, talks about survey over public funding for a new ballpark and the debate at State Capitol.
October 3, 1996 - Midday discusses changes in the law concerning welfare reform with guest John Petraborg, commissioner at Minnesota Human Services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and what the changes mean for recipients and taxpayers is the focus of conversation. Petraborg also answers listener questions.
October 4, 1996 - As part of Meet the Candidates series, Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about recent legislation passed in Congress and the 1996 senate race. Listeners also call-in with questions.
October 7, 1996 - Midday presents a rebroadcast of the first Presidential debate between President Bill Clinton and his Republican challenger Bob Dole. The debate was held at Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut. Debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer, host of PBS’s NewsHour.