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.
July 9, 1998 - Red McCombs, the tentative new Minnesota Vikings owner, discusses future of the team. Topics include Metrodome lease issues, talk of moving team, and expectations. McCombs also answers listener questions.
July 10, 1998 - Minnesota Senator Rod Grams discusses major issues before Congress, including farm policy, IRS overhaul, tobacco bill, social security and sanctions. Grams also answers listener questions.
July 10, 1998 - On this Midday program, nationally known political commentator Carl Rowan addresses the American Association of Retired Persons. Rowan speaks on his early days as a writer for the Minneapolis Tribune and reflects on the battle over affirmative action in America.
July 13, 1998 - Mark Yudoff, President of the University of Minnesota, discusses successful completion of his first year as president, and upcoming plans for university. Topics of accomplishment include freshman seminars, adding of faculty members, preservation, and new building projects. Yudoff also answers listener questions.
July 14, 1998 - Barb Frey, a human rights law consultant and University of Minnesota professor, discusses human rights and international tribunals. Frey is a delegate for Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights to the Diplomatic Conference on the International Criminal Court in Rome, and she shares her views. Frey also answers listener questions.
July 15, 1998 - Jim Koppel, executive director of the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota, and Lynn Reed, research director for the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, discuss a new report on the effect of federal and state tax policies on families. Premise of study notes increase in taxes on families vs individuals, the causes, and potential solutions. Koppel and Reed also answer listener questions.
July 17, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Ely, Minnesota. Program highlights the northern Minnesota town and the BWCA, twenty years after major Congressional legislation in 1978…a controversial Act that banned mining, logging and most motor use. In this first hour of program, MPR’s Rachel Reabe interviews Mark Van Every and Barb Soderberg, representatives from the National Forest Service; and canoe outfitters John Waters and Gary Gotchnik about the various aspects of the BWCA.
July 17, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Ely, Minnesota. Program highlights the northern Minnesota town and the BWCA, twenty years after major Congressional legislation in 1978…a controversial Act that banned mining, logging and most motor use. In this second hour of program, MPR’s Rachel Reabe interviews Mike Hillman, a local historian, and Jim Krile, Director of the Blandin Community Leadership Program.
July 20, 1998 - Lowell Pratt, President of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities; Ray Waldron, President of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council; and Harry Melander of the St. Paul Building Trades Council, discuss shortage of construction workers in the region and outlook for the construction trades. Group also answers listener calls. The program begins with a report from MPR’s Cara Hetland on the construction dilemma impacting Spencer, South Dakota and St. Peter, Minnesota, in the aftermath of tornados.
July 21, 1998 - Michael Cox, Vice President and Economic Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas discusses his new report, "Time Well Spent: The Declining Real Cost of Living in America." Cox explains study that states while prices have gone up over the years, the cost of living is more modest than in past. Cox also answers listener questions.