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 15, 1998 - As part of the series Remembering and Rebuilding - The Great Flood of 1997, a special Mainstreet Radio program from East Grand Forks, one year after the flood. Host Rachel Reabe interviews several business people and families who were affected by the flood…some who rebuilt, and some who moved away.
April 15, 1998 - A special Mainstreet Radio report from East Grand Forks, a year after the severe spring 1997 flood. MPR’s Laura McCallum interviews current and former residents of Lincoln Drive about their experience in the aftermath of disaster. Some have rebuilt; others have moved away.
April 16, 1998 - Tom DeLoughery, managing editor of Internet World Magazine, discusses the future of the internet. Topics include email, research, and the growth of commerce. DeLoughery also answers listener questions.
April 17, 1998 - Midday presents Governor Arne Carlson's speaking to the Minnesota Business Partnership and higher education groups about his ideas to improve Minnesota's public schools. Carlson highlights the definition of the “American Dream.” Following broadcast of speech, MPR’s Gary Eichten gets reaction from Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota.
April 17, 1998 - National polling expert Peter Hart speaks on character, polls, and President Clinton. Hart’s speech is entitled, "Politics 1998: Public and Private Character in America” and given at 1998 Frank Premack Memorial Lecture at the Minnesota Journalism Center.
April 20, 1998 - U.S. Attorney David Lillehaug discusses his ideas to reduce crime in the highest-crime Minneapolis neighborhoods, including the Phillips neighborhood. Lillehaug also answers listener questions.
April 20, 1998 - On this Midday, a broadcast of Governor Arne Carlson speaking on media accountability, and a need for self-examination of profession. Carlson’s speech was given at the Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
April 21, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Mille Lacs Indian Museum, highlighting Indian treaty rights and Native American sovereignty. Rachel Reabe interviews Don Wedll, Commissioner of Natural Resources for the Mill Lacs Band of Ojibwe; Doug Sam, tribal elder; and Henry Van Offelen, treaty biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Group discussion includes spearfishing topic and answering audience/listener questions.
April 21, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Mille Lacs Indian Museum, highlighting Indian treaty rights and Native American sovereignty. Rachel Reabe interviews Henry Buffalo, a Minneapolis attorney, sovereignty expert, and member Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe; Chief Tribal Judge Mary Jo Brooks Hunter, of Ho chunk Tribe; and Jim Genia, solicitor general for the Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe. Discussion topic is tribal sovereignty and how the rules are different on the reservation.
April 22, 1998 - On this Midday program in observance of Earth Day, guest Peder Larson, commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, discusses environmental issues. Topics include agricultural feed lots and Koch refinery case. Larson also answers listener questions.