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.
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.
March 12, 1997 - A special Midday program on history of the fur trade, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Farrell. Why did it become important in 17th and 18th centuries and who profited?
March 13, 1997 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring author Rabbi Michael Lerner. The title of his presentation is “Transcending Racism and Hate.”
March 14, 1997 - This Midday program holds a discussion about questionable campaign fundraising in Washington. Guests are Minnesota Public Radio political commentators DFLer Bob Meek and Republican Tom Horner. They share their perspectives and answer listener questions.
March 18, 1997 - Midday examines the ethics of cloning with guests Susan Wolf, assistant professor of Law and Medicine at the University of Minnesota Law School and faculty associate at the University's Center for Bio-medical Ethics; and Thomas Bouchard, University of Minnesota psychology professor. Wolf and Bouchard also answer listener call-in questions.
March 21, 1997 - Midday discusses the results of the basic skills tests given to Minnesota eighth-graders. Guests Mike Tillmann, who coordinates graduation standards for the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning; and State Representative Becky Kelso, chair of the K-12 Education Finance Division, give their perspectives on the test numbers and answer listener call-in questions.
March 24, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Minnesota Public Radio producer and film expert Stephanie Curtis, the "Movie Maven" about the Academy Award nominees for the 69th Academy Awards. Curtis details nominees and the process behind nominating process. Program also includes call-in questions and commentary from listeners.