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.
January 14, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten discusses crime, criminal defense, punishment, and crime prevention with newly-appointed Hennepin County Chief Public Defender William McGee. Program includes listener call-in questions.
January 16, 1997 - Midday features live coverage of Governor Arne Carlson's State of the State address. He speaks in the Minnesota House Chamber well over an hour. Highlights of speech include a state disaster fund, property tax reform, crime control, welfare reform, arts funding, and Twins stadium.
January 20, 1997 - Midday presents live coverage of the President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, followed by Robert Trout documentary on inaugurations.
January 22, 1997 - Bill Kling, president of Minnesota Public Radio, appears on Midday to talk about MPR's 30th anniversary, the future of public radio, and answers listener questions. Host Gary Eichten begins conversation by asking Kling about the first day on air.
January 23, 1997 - Midday looks at education funding in Minnesota. Studio guests are DFL Representative Becky Kelso of Shakopee, who is chair of the K-12 Budget Committee in the House; and Republican State Senator Gen Olson of Minnetrista, who is a member of the Senate K-12 Budget Division. Kelso and Olson share their views on funding and also answer listener questions.
February 3, 1997 - Midday looks at the health care system, how it works, and how it can be improved. Studio guests are Michael Scandrett, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans; and Stuart Hanson, a representative of the Minnesota Medical Association. Scandrett and Hanson also answer call-in questions from listeners.
February 7, 1997 - Midday examines aviation safety with pilot and author John Nance, a commercial pilot and a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. He's written a number of aviation thrillers, the most recent, Medusa's Child. Nance also answers listeners call-in questions.
February 10, 1997 - Midday looks at drunk driving and the proposal to reduce the legal blood alcohol limit for driving to .08 with Steve Simon, University of Minnesota law professor and director of the MN Criminal Justice System DWI Task Force; and Lynn Goughler, public liaison and legislative chair of the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
February 13, 1997 - Midday rebroadcasts award-winning MPR documentary Song Catcher, Frances Densmore of Red Wing. Following documentary, MPR’s Gary Eichten holds a discussion with guests Marcia Anderson, chief curator and head of the Museum Collections Department at the Minnesota Historical Society; and Faith Bad Bear, assistant curator of Ethnology at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
February 18, 1997 - Midday talks with National Public Radio's Linda Gradstein, who has been NPR's Israeli correspondent since 1990. Her visit is part of MPR's Broadcast Journalist Series. Listeners call in with questions.