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 24, 1998 - Former South African President and Nobel laureate F.W. de Klerk, speaking at the University of St. Thomas about the past, present and future of South Africa. F.W. de Klerk released Nelson Mandela from prison, abolished the laws of apartheid and laid the groundwork for South Africa's first multi-racial elections held in 1994.
April 27, 1998 - George Karvel, who holds the Distinguished Chair in Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, and Barbara Brin, realtor with Coldwell Banker Burnet Realty, discuss the current hot real estate market. Karvel and Brin also answer listener questions.
April 27, 1998 - As part of MPR's month-long series of programs and reports on "Religion in Everyday Life,” Lynn Neary, National Public Radio's religion correspondent, gives a speech in the Twin Cities titled "Exploring the Landscape of Religious America."
April 28, 1998 - As part of MPR's month-long series of programs and reports on "Religion in Everyday Life,” this program presents various reports, interviews and commentaries compiled from the series, and looks at the contemporary impact and influence of religion in America.
April 28, 1998 - Theologian Martin Marty, director of the Public Religion Project at the University of Chicago School of Divinity, addresses the Minnesota Meeting. Marty’s speech was titled, "Religion in America: Should we Bring Religion Out of the Shadows and into Public Life?" Speech is followed by a question and answer period. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
April 29, 1998 - As KSTP-TV celebrates 50 year anniversary, Stanley S. Hubbard, the chairman and CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting, visits Midday program to talk about the early days of television. Hubbard also answers listener questions.
April 30, 1998 - Chris Farrell, MPR's Senior Business and Economics Editor, and V.V. Chari, University of Minnesota Economics professor, examine the stock market and concern of a "the bubble economy." Farrell and Chari also answer listener questions. Program begins with a brief report on definition and example of a “bubble market.”
April 30, 1998 - Martin Sampson, University of Minnesota Political science professor; Ido Oren, an Israeli citizen and University of Minnesota International Relations professor; and Miriam Kluska, who is in Tel Aviv, discuss Israel’s 50th Anniversary. Program begins with a report by NPR’s Linda Gradstein on the celebration taking place in Israel.
May 1, 1998 - With her pending retirement, Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Esther Tomljanovich discusses her time in the courts. She recollects on her time in the trial court and being a Minnesota Supreme Court justice. Tomljanovich also answers listener questions.
May 1, 1998 - Some analysis of the results of the 8th grade basic skills tests, with Kate Trewick, Assistant Commissioner for Teaching & Learning at the MN Dept of Children, Families and Learning; David Heistad, Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment for the Minneapolis Public Schools; and State Rep. Becky Kelso, Chair of the House K-12 Education Finance Division. The group also answers listener questions. Sandra Peterson, the President of the Minnesota Federation of Teachers, is also interviewed.