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.
June 30, 1998 - Ray Suarez, Host of NPR’s “Talk of the Nation”, speaking at a Minnesota Journalism Center forum on the craft of interviewing.
July 1, 1998 - Ken Peterson, chair of the Management Department at Metropolitan State University, discusses Metropolitan State University's annual Civic Confidence poll. Peterson was co-director of the poll and shares the results. He also answers listener questions.
July 2, 1998 - Bob Walker, the President of Handgun Control, Inc and the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, discusses gun laws debate both nationally and in Minnesota. Topics include licensing, gun use by children, and gun legislation. Walker also answers listener questions.
July 2, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens Forum gubernatorial debate held within state office building at State Capitol. The six DFL candidates, Skip Humphrey III, Doug Johnson, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, John Marty, and Independent candidate, Jesse Ventura, attended. (Republican Norm Coleman did not accept invitation) Candidates spoke and answered questions from four groups of citizen panelists gathered throughout the state. Lori Sturdevant, of the Star Tribune, moderated debate.
July 3, 1998 - MPR’s Stephanie Curtis talks with Gary Eichten about the summer movies. Asteroids, killers, and monsters make up a slew of summers releases. Commentary on “Armageddon”, “Truman Show”, “Out of Sight”, and “X-Files”. There is also a discussion on the top 100 films put out by AFI. Curtis also answers listeners questions.
July 3, 1998 - As part of the country’s 222nd birthday celebration, this program focuses on listener commentary on America, freedom, and what it means. Midday host Gary Eichten talks with callers, many of which are new immigrants.
July 6, 1998 - Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change, at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, talks about charter schools, summer school, the possible NEA/AFT teacher union merger, and other education issues in the news. Nathan also answers listener questions.
July 7, 1998 - State Senator Marty dropped out of the Gubernatorial race Monday. On the "opening day" to file for political office, Marty talks about the way elections are run, why people do and don't run for office, campaign financing, election ethics, and much more. He also answers listener questions.
July 7, 1998 - Kurt Johnson, chair of the Twin Cities Project on Media and the Public, discusses its new report on restoring trust in the media and improving the quality of local news reporting. Johnson also answers listener questions.
July 8, 1998 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone will joins Midday from Washington to talk about his presidential bid, health care, jobs legislation. Other issues coming before Congress are also addressed. Wellstone answers listener questions.