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 28, 1998 - Retired Admiral Eugene Carroll, Deputy Director of the Center for Defense Information in Washington, talks about the developments of India & Pakistan carrying out nuclear weapons tests. Carroll also answers listener questions. Program begins with report on the nuclear tests of both countries, and subsequent reactions.
May 29, 1998 - On this segment of MPR’s Voices of Minnesota, Midday’s Gary Eichten profiles and talks with University of Minnesota historian Hy Berman.
May 29, 1998 - As part of the “Voices of Minnesota" series, this program features MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviewing Hy Berman, University of Minnesota historian. Topics include his personal life, the tobacco trial, politics, and University of Minnesota.
June 1, 1998 - Bill Linder-Scholer and Laurie Peterman of Sci-Math Minnesota discuss test results in which Minnesota 4th graders did well internationally on the International Math and Science Study. Linder-Scholer and Peterman also answer listener questions.
June 2, 1998 - Constance Swank, Research Director of the AARP, discusses American Association of Retired Persons study about the opinions of "Baby Boomers" about their retirement years. Swank also answers listener questions. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) was in Minneapolis for its national convention.
June 3, 1998 - An MPR special on the environmental implications of the deformed and declining populations of frogs. Ron Heyer, Curator of Amphibians & Reptiles at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and the Chair of the Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force, discusses the issue and answers listener questions. Program begins with a report from MPR’s Mary Losure, who interviews various experts in the science community.
June 3, 1998 - Thirty years ago, in 1968, Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy was running for the U.S. presidency. Former Senator McCarthy looks back at that time and talks about the politics of today. McCarthy also answers listener questions.
June 4, 1998 - Dr. Allen S. Levine, Director of the Minnesota Obesity Center, at the VA Medical Center, discusses the implications of The National Institutes of Health’s new body weight guidelines. Levine also answers listener questions. The Obesity Center has researchers from the VA, the Mayo, the U of M, and the Hennepin County medical Center.
June 5, 1998 - Gary Eichten broadcasts from the DFL State Convention in St. Cloud, and talks with some of the gubernatorial candidates, MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek.
June 5, 1998 - Gary Eichten continues broadcast from the DFL State Convention in St. Cloud, and talks with some of the gubernatorial candidates, MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Also includes various reporting on floor from MPR reporters Mark Zdechlik, Martin Kaste, and Karen Louise Boothe.