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.
September 1, 1998 - Veterinarian Kate An Hunter and Deb Schneider, dog trainer from the Carver Lake Veterinary Center, visit MPR’s Gary Eichten at the state fairgrounds. Hunter and Schneider discuss pets in general, dog obedience and answer questions from the fair audience.
September 1, 1998 - Veterinarian Kate An Hunter and Deb Schneider, dog trainer from the Carver Lake Veterinary Center, continue discussion with MPR’s Gary Eichten at the state fairgrounds. Hunter and Schneider discuss pets in general, dog obedience and answer questions from the fair audience.
September 2, 1998 - Mark Dayton, Democratic-Farmer-Labor gubernatorial candidate, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the issues in the campaign. Topics include latest polls, education, healthcare, and diversity. Dayton also answers listener questions.
September 2, 1998 - Kathy Tunheim, president of Tunheim-Santrizos, and Leonard Lee, president of the Right Stuff, share analysis of the public relations war being conducted by Northwest Airlines and the pilots' union. Tunheim and Lee also answer listener questions.
September 3, 1998 - An MPR Special presenting interviews with all seven major party gubernatorial candidates on crime and recent crime reports, followed by listener reaction to the candidates. Program begins with brief reports on the various candidates.
September 3, 1998 - Chris Farrell, MPR senior business and economics editor, presents MPR special report, "Make Change, Not Money: The Power of the Non-Profit Economy."
September 4, 1998 - Judy Schaubauch and Sandra Peterson, the co-presidents of the new teachers' union, Education Minnesota, visit MPR’s Gary Eichten at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Schaubauch and Peterson discuss education issues in the news and answer questions from the fair audience.
September 4, 1998 - On this special State Fair edition of Midday, Mike Hatch, Ember Reichgott-Jung and David Lillehaug, the three Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidates for attorney general, visit with MPR’s Gary Eichten at the MPR booth. Hatch, Reichgott-Jung and Lillehaug debate the campaign issues and answer questions from the fair audience.
September 7, 1998 - Deb Brown, University of Minnesota Extension Horticulturist, visits MPR’s Gary Eichten at the Minnesota State Fair. Brown discusses lawns, gardens and answers questions from the state fairgrounds audience.
September 7, 1998 - On this special Midday program at the Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Gary Eichten chats with Howard Sinker, sports analyst and state news editor for Star Tribune. Sinker discusses homerun derby, performance enhancing drugs, and new Vikings season.