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.
May 11, 1998 - Michael Ciresi, Minnesota’s lead state attorney for the tobacco trial, discusses the tobacco settlement, in which the tobacco industry will pay the State of Minnesota 6.1 billion dollars, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield 500 million dollars. Topics include banning of tobacco marketing to children, collaboration with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and litigation choices made. Ciresi also answers listener questions.
May 11, 1998 - Stephanie Coontz, Professor at Evergreen State College in Washington, speaking at the University Center in Rochester as part of the Visiting Scholar Series. Coontz speech is on challenges of family and work. She is the author of the popular books The Way We Really Are: Coming to Terms with America's Changing Families and The Way we Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap
May 12, 1998 - Kate Trewick, assistant commissioner of the Department of Children, Families and Learning; and State Senator Larry Pogemiller, chair of the Senate K-12 Budget Committee, discuss the newly approved graduation standards called "Profile of Learning." Trewick and Pogemiller also answer listener questions.
May 13, 1998 - Tony Dierckens, co-author of The Mosquito Book, and Jim Stark, Public Affairs Coordinator for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, discuss mosquitoes. Topics on the mosquito include how many, how destructive, how useful, and what to do about them. Dierckens and Stark also answer listener questions.
May 14, 1998 - Dwight Silverman, computer columnist for the Houston Chronicle; and MPR's Jon Gordon talk about the pending anti-trust lawsuit against Microsoft. Silverman and Gordon also answer listener questions. Programs begins with report on if traditional industrial anti-trust standards apply to high-tech.
May 14, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of Donna Lopiano, executive director of the Women's Sports Foundation, speaking at College of St. Catherine Forum on Women in Leadership. Lopiano’s speech is titled The Changing World of Women and Sport.
May 15, 1998 - Arne Fogel, local radio personality and music historian, discusses the musical legacy of Frank Sinatra, who died May 14th, 1998. Fogel gives insight on Sinatra’s impact on popular singing. Program includes Sinatra song segments.
May 15, 1998 - Ray Suarez, NPR's Talk of the Nation host, critiques the media at a recent Twin Cities seminar sponsored by the Twin Cities chapter of the Association of Women in Communications. Suarez’s speech was titled "The Media's Role in Defining Reality."
May 18, 1998 - MPR Political commentators Bob Meek and Tom Horner talk about the race for the governor's office, which is the first in decades where an incumbent is not running. Topics include upcoming Republican and Democratic primaries and conventions, tobacco settlement, sports stadium debate, and negative campaigning. Meek and Horner also answer listener questions.
May 19, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from the small community of Comfrey, Minnesota. Following the destructive March tornadoes that struck the area, Mark Steil talks with residents and local officials about recovery, rebuilding, and remembering. The topic of small towns in general and their economic health is also discussed.