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 20, 1997 - On the 35th anniversary of John Glenn's historic flight orbiting the earth, Midday guest Bob Cabana, NASA astronaut and Minneapolis native, answers questions about space exploration.
February 25, 1997 - On this pledge drive Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten and guests talk about the first sign of spring…baseball. Listeners also call in with questions.
February 26, 1997 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's Voices of Minnesota series, a presentation of excerpts from an interview with George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor.
February 27, 1997 - Midday talks with car expert Jack Gillis, who is out with his 1997 editions of "The Car Book" and "The Truck, Van, and 4-by-4 Book." Gillis also writes a used car book. He answers call-in questions from listeners about safety features, warranties, complaint ratings, prices, and showroom strategies.
February 28, 1997 - A Midday special edition on the last day of a membership drive, with Gary Eichten and Melanie Sommer. Program includes caller commentary.
March 3, 1997 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen talks with Minnesota's most prominent statesman, Walter Mondale, who recently retired from public service. Mondale discusses political issues, business, and his years as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Vice President, Presidential candidate, and U.S. Senator from Minnesota. Mondale also answers listener questions.
March 5, 1997 - A Midday special on history, examining museums and how they decide what to collect and display, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Farrell.
March 6, 1997 - Midday looks at proposals to cut taxes, give tax rebates, or reform the tax system. Studio guests Jim Girard, commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Revenue; and DFL State Representative Dee Long, who chairs the House Tax Committee, provide details of the tax proposals and answer listeners call-in questions.
March 7, 1997 - A special Midday broadcast from the studios of MPR station KNSR in Collegeville, MN, about the labor and economic outlook for outstate Minnesota. Studio guests are MPR Senior Business & Economics Editor Chris Farrell, and Economist Harold Lofgreen of the Minnesota Economic Development Center.
March 10, 1997 - Midday presents two Minnesota Public Radio documentaries by producer Stephen Smith and Michael Montgomery. The first, Face of Mercy, Face of Hate, is about the life and mysterious death of a Bosnia Serb. The second, A Plague of Plastic Soldiers, is about efforts to clear land mines in Cambodia.