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.
April 30, 1997 - Midday focuses on the discussion at the state Legislature about the future of a new baseball stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Host Gary Eichten speaks with MPR reporter Bill Wareham, who presents a summary of the various proposals and audio clips of committee debate. Ideas presented include gambling revenue options, cheaper alternatives to a stadium, buying a team, selling Metrodome to teams for $1.00, and buying season tickets.
May 6, 1997 - Midday presents a broadcast of columnist and author Ellen Goodman speaking on the changing role of women at the second annual Women Ventures Conference held in downtown Minneapolis.
May 7, 1997 - Midday presents a special "Voices of Minnesota" program featuring the accounts of three Minnesotans during the Holocaust of World War Two. MPR reporter Dan Olson's conversations include the experience of Lucy Smith of St. Paul, who spent her childhood hiding from Nazis in Poland; the recollections of Reider Dittman, who was sent to a concentration camp; and a description of the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by Twin Cities architect Leonard Parker.
May 9, 1997 - Midday discusses issues facing the state legislature in the final days of the session with Minnesota Public Radio's political commentators DFLer Bob Meek and Republican Tom Horner. Topics include transportation, stadium debate, property taxes, surplus, and education. Listeners call in with questions.
May 15, 1997 - Midday looks at Governor Arne Carlson's insistence that tax breaks for education expenses, including private school costs, be part of any education funding bill passed by the legislature. On this Talk of Minnesota, listeners call in and comment on whether the governor should stick to his guns or be willing to compromise.
May 19, 1997 - MPR’s Martin Kaste describes that state lawmakers are facing a midnight deadline to finish their work of the session. Two big bills are headed to the Governor Carlson’s desk, where they face all but certain vetoes.
May 20, 1997 - Midday discussion with the four legislative leaders from the State Capitol. Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, Senate Minority Leader Dean Johnson, House Speaker Phil Carruthers, and House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum share their thoughts on the close of the regular legislative session and the chances of a special session due to potential governor veto on education bill. The guests also answer listener call-in questions.
May 22, 1997 - Midday discusses saving for retirement with guests Jean Johnson, senior vice president for Programs at Public Agenda, a research group in New York; and Chris Farrell, Minnesota Public Radio's senior business and economics editor. Listeners call in with questions for the guests.
May 30, 1997 - Midday examines the ways segregation is affecting life in the Twin Cities with guests George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor and former official with the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Vivian Jenkins Nelson, president and CEO of Inter-Race. Topics include Listeners call in with questions.
June 4, 1997 - Midday examines the future of the Minneapolis Public School system with guests Bill Green, chairman of the Minneapolis School Board; and Gary Sudduth, president of the Minneapolis Urban League. Green and Sudduth discuss Public Strategies Group termination, test scores, superintendent search, concerns on infrastructure of school district, and answer listener call-in questions.