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 31, 1998 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Jesse Ventura, Reform Party candidate for governor. Ventura discusses the issues and his campaign. Topics include surplus, campaign money, hemp crops, neighborhood schooling, parenting involvement, and gambling.
August 3, 1998 - Dee Long, Minneapolis state representative and Minnesota House Tax committee chair, discusses taxes. Topics include tax cuts and state programs. Long also answers listener questions.
August 4, 1998 - On this Midday, Sheryl Ramstad Hvass and Amy Klobuchar, two candidates for Hennepin County attorney, discuss their plans for fighting crime. Topics include burglary, juvenile justice system, National Night Out, and repeat offenders. Hvass and Klobuchar also answer listener questions.
August 4, 1998 - Susan Stamberg report on Miep Gies, a Dutch woman who hid Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis for 25 months before they were discovered on August 4, 1944. Gies was the woman who preserved Anne Frank's diary. Report is followed by Dan Olson interviewing Lucy Smith, a Holocaust survivor.
August 5, 1998 - Charlie Weaver, Republican candidate for Attorney General, discusses his campaign for Minnesota Attorney General. Topics include juvenile violence, and public safety focus vs. consumer advocacy. Weaver also answers listener questions. Program begins with a report from MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki on the issues and candidates for Attorney General.
August 5, 1998 - Tom Gjelten, NPR diplomatic correspondent, speaking at the Macalester College Chapel as part of the MPR Broadcast Journalist Series. Gjelten talked about his experiences reporting on the State Department and US foreign diplomacy. Following speech, Gjelten answers audience questions.
August 6, 1998 - Mary Thornton Phillips, Chair of the St. Paul School Board and former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer discuss the search for a school superintendent in St. Paul. Topics include timing of selection, diversity of candidates, and “best fit”. Phillips and Latimer also answer listener questions. Program begins with report from MPR’s Tim Pugmire on the St. Paul school board’s decision to not choose either of the current finalist candidates.
August 6, 1998 - An MPR Special presenting interviews with all seven major party gubernatorial candidates on taxes, followed by listener reaction to the candidates. Program begins with brief reports on the various candidates.
August 7, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Detroit Lakes. Program highlights outdoor music festival WE Fest, the largest camping and country music extravaganza. Rachel Reabe interviews Jeff Krueger, WE Fest organizer; and Rand Levy, of Rose Productions about the history, phenomenon, efforts, and challenges of running an outdoor festival. Reabe also talks with musician/manager Tony Stephens.
August 7, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Detroit Lakes. Program highlights the debate over recreational jet skis on the lakes. Rachel Reabe hosts a discussion on the controversary over personal watercraft with Jim Madima, president of Jet Supporters Association of Minnesota; Dennis Lang of the DNR; and Kris Hasskamp, a Minnesota state representative.