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.
November 5, 1996 - A special pre-election-day Midday program presents an audio collection entitled Five Presidents. Over the years, PBS host David Frost conducted Oval Office interviews with five of our former presidents - Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush.
November 5, 1996 - Former Vice-President Walter Mondale reflects on losing presidential election in his run for the Oval Office. Mondale talks about how an individual must accept that fact that many will not vote for them.
November 6, 1996 - Midday looks at election results with MPR political analysts DFLer Bob Meek and Republican Tom Horner. Program includes news conferences by the winners/losers and call-in from listeners and local political members.
November 12, 1996 - A Midday discussion with the man who has been nominated to be the new Speaker of the Minnesota House…Phil Carruthers, DFL state representative of Brooklyn Center. Listeners call in with questions.
November 15, 1996 - This Midday program presents two parts: Part 1 a discussion with studio guest Minnesota's attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, who answers listener questions about the prevention of violence. Part 2 is an excerpt from a 1982 interview with writer Meridel Le Sueur, who died at the age of 96 on November 14th, 1996.
November 19, 1996 - Jim Walsh, music critic for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, provides commentary on release of Prince three-disc album Emancipation. The three hours of music contains all new material created over the previous year. It is the first record for artist since he left Warner Brothers music label.
November 21, 1996 - R. J. Brown, Minnesota state commissioner of Department of Economic Security, discusses a research study that shows 70% of women in state are a part of workforce.
November 25, 1996 - Midday presents a Westminster Town Hall Forum with writer, photographer, and artist Gordon Parks. His address is entitled “A Life of Art.” Parks recalls his family, time in St. Paul, and his art. Following the speech, Parks answers audience questions.
November 26, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with newly re-elected U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, whose in the studio to answer questions about issues that will come up in the next session of Congress. Wellstone also answers listener call-in questions.
November 27, 1996 - Midday looks at car safety devices and good winter driving techniques. Studio guests are Sergeant Randy Slinger of the Minnesota State Patrol; and Nancy Frank Skala, safety program coordinator for the Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety. Slinger and Skala discuss air bags, seatbelts, speeding, and ice. They also answer listeners questions.