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 17, 1998 - Speeches by Gubernatorial candidates Norm Coleman, Joanne Benson and Allen Quist to the Minnesota Young Republicans meeting in Bloomington. They were asked to talk about the reasons they got involved in politics and suggest why young people should also get involved. Program also includes interview with candidate Dick Borrell.
June 18, 1998 - William Cooper, Republican Party Chairman and Twin City Federal CEO, previews the state convention and the issues Republicans will be addressing in this year's campaigns. Cooper also answers listener questions. Program begins with a report on the upcoming GOP convention.
June 19, 1998 - Gary Eichten broadcasts from the Republican state convention at Target Center in Minneapolis. Program features interviews with the candidates for Governor, the endorsed candidate for Attorney General, reports from the floor of the convention, and the views of MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Commentators also answer listener questions.
June 19, 1998 - Gary Eichten continues broadcast from the Republican state convention at Target Center in Minneapolis. Program features reports from the floor of the convention, and the views of MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Commentators also answer listener questions. Program ends with official opening of convention, and speech from Minority House Speaker Steve Sviggum.
June 22, 1998 - Rich Naistat of the National Weather Service in Chanhassen talks about the weather. Topics include summer, long days, dew points, global temperatures, and severe weather. Naistat also answers listener questions.
June 22, 1998 - Governor Arne Carlson's speaking to the Republican State Convention. Speech is followed by interviews with Norm Coleman, St. Paul mayor and Republican gubernatorial nominee, and Speaker of the House, Phil Carruthers.
June 23, 1998 - Richard Bohr, Professor of Asian History at both the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, former President of the Midwest China Center, and former Executive Director of the Minnesota World Trade Office, shares his observations from a trip to China to observe the preparations for President Clinton trip. Topics include human rights issues, Taiwan, and Asian economic crisis. Bohr also answers listener questions. Program begins with a report on current Chinese/U.S. relations.
June 23, 1998 - William Ivey, the new chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts, speaking to the American Symphony Orchestra League's National Conference in St. Paul. Ivey’s address was on government funding of NEA, and the organization’s future. Program continues MPR's Garrison Keillor speaking to the American Symphony Orchestra League's National Conference in St. Paul. Keillor provides humorous anecdotes on the future of the symphony orchestra.
June 24, 1998 - Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt's recent Twin Cities address...given as part of the "Pen Pals" Author Lecture Series sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. Frank McCourt is the author of the best seller Angela's Ashes.
June 24, 1998 - Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt's recent Twin Cities address...given as part of the "Pen Pals" Author Lecture Series sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. Frank McCourt is the author of the best seller Angela's Ashes.