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 18, 1998 - This MPR special report, titled The World Turned Upside Down: An End to Inflation, examines the potential end of a long period of inflation and the growing focus and concerns of possible deflation. Program includes various interviews and commentary and is hosted by Chris Farrell, MPR's senior economics and business editor.
March 18, 1998 - MPR’s Chris Farrell and economist Arthur Rolnick discuss the potential concerns of deflation and answer listener questions.
March 19, 1998 - Dr. Donald Hensrud, professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at Mayo Medical School and Mayo Clinic, discusses vitamins and how they relate to cancer and nutrition. Hensrud also answer listener questions.
March 20, 1998 - "Images of Aging” Princeton survey shows working people think retirement will give them a chance for a fresh start, but most retirees say their lives are about the same or worse. This Midday program examines expectations upon retiring with guest LaRhae Knatterud, of the MN Dept of Human Service's Aging Initiative called "Project 2030," who discusses survey results and answers listener questions.
March 20, 1998 - Ward Connerly, University of California regent, speaks at an event sponsored by the Center of the American Experiment and the Minnesota Association of Scholars. Connerly’s speech is entitled “Racial Preferences: Inequities in the Name of Equality,” which focuses on affirmative action in college admissions.
March 23, 1998 - As part of the Minnesota Citizens Forum on education, in partnership with the Star Tribune, KTCA-TV, and the Minnesota Journalism Center, this program reports on forum and presents MPR listeners' views on education and the Gubernatorial campaign. “Profile of Learning” was a key topic.
March 23, 1998 - MPR movie maven Stephanie Curtis previews the 70th Academy Awards. Curtis makes predictions on nominations, including Titanic, L.A. Confidential, and Good Will Hunting, amongst others. Curtis also answers listener questions.
March 30, 1998 - Midday presents a special report on the tornadoes that destroyed large parts of St. Peter and Comfrey. MPR’s reporters detail the massive destruction in the Minnesota towns and provide updates on aftermath. Program also includes various interviews and accounts from listeners.
March 31, 1998 - A special edition of “Gray Matters,” titled Music and the Brain. This PRI documentary examines new brain research, whether music can make you smarter, how music affects the emotions, and if people with musical ability have brains that are different from other people.
March 31, 1998 - Midday presents a special report on the tornadoes that went through southern Minnesota and destroyed large parts of St. Peter and Comfrey. MPR reporters give updates on aftermath, followed by various interviews and accounts from listeners.