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.
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.
August 10, 1998 - Ted Mondale, former state senator and DFL Gubernatorial candidate talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the issues and his campaign. Topics include polls, tax cuts, social issue investments, incentives and parenting challenges. Mondale also answers listener questions.
August 11, 1998 - Rev. Ron Smith, co-pastor of University Baptist Church of St. Paul; and Dan McElroy, Minnesota state representative for Burnsville, discuss the campaign watchdog group organization "Political Racism is Offensive to All Citizens Task Force" (aka as Pro-Act). Smith and McElroy also answer listener questions.
August 12, 1998 - Chris Farrell, MPR’s senior business and economic editor, and Art Rolnick of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, discuss decline on Wall Street and the economy --and the impact on Minnesota. Farrell and Rolnick also answer listener questions.
August 12, 1998 - Warren Hanson, president of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund; and Charlie Warner, chairman of the Right to Housing Campaign, discuss the state of affordable housing in Minnesota. Topics include shortage of subsidized housing and increasing rents. Hanson and Warner also answer listener questions.
August 13, 1998 - Doug Johnson, state senator and DFL Gubernatorial candidate talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the issues and his campaign. Topics include taxes, polls, police protection, gambling, farm issues, and gun permit laws. Johnson also answers listener questions.
August 13, 1998 - An MPR Special presenting interviews with all seven major party gubernatorial candidates on welfare, followed by listener reaction to the candidates. Program begins with brief reports on the various candidates.