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 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 series, 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.
March 31, 1998 - MPR’s Lynette Nyman provides an on-location report of the tornadoes that destroyed large parts of St. Peter and Comfrey.
March 31, 1998 - MPR’s Mark Steil provides an on-location report detailing the aftermath of tornados that devastated Comfrey, Minnesota.
March 31, 1998 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides an update on status in St. Peter, two days after Minnesota town was hit by devastating tornados.
March 31, 1998 - Dennis Gimmestad, member of the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, comments on tornado damage to historic buildings in St. Peter.