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.
October 30, 1998 - An MPR Special, presenting various reports on the major issues in this year's Gubernatorial campaign: taxes, education, crime, housing and agriculture. Program includes interviews and speech excerpts.
October 30, 1998 - Midday presents a special "Talk of Minnesota" program, presenting the views of MPR listeners on what they've heard from the candidates so far and what they want to hear in next debate or on the campaign trail in order to make their choice for governor.
November 2, 1998 - Sarah Stoesz, DFL analyst; Tom Horner, Republican analyst; and Dean Barkley, Reform party analyst, provide commentary on this election-eve special. Program includes interviews of gubernatorial candidates on the campaign trail around the state. Stoesz, Horner and Barkley also answer listener questions.
November 2, 1998 - Sarah Stoesz, DFL analyst; Tom Horner, Republican analyst; and Dean Barkley, Reform party analyst, provide commentary on this election-eve special. Program includes interviews of Attorney General candidates on the campaign trail around the state. Stoesz, Horner and Barkley also answer listener questions. Program begins with reports from MPR reporters following the campaigns.
November 3, 1998 - An election day program focusing on the hotly-contested senate races all around the country. Program presents reporters in New York, Wisconsin, California, North Carolina, Illinois and Washington...as well as NPR's Elizabeth Arnold, about the fight for control of the US House and Senate.
November 3, 1998 - Live broadcast of the Carlson Lecture, featuring Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel. He is speaking at Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota. Before the speech, MPR host Dan Olson will be speaking with Steven Feinstein, acting director of the University of Minnnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
November 4, 1998 - Tim Penny and Tom Horner address the Minnesota Meeting. They discuss the post-election results and impact, followed by a question and answer period. Tim McGuire, Editor of the Star Tribune, hosts meeting. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
November 5, 1998 - House minority leader Steve Sviggum, who is expected to be the new speaker of the house, discusses the issues and candidates that enabled republicans to take control of the Minnesota house. Topics include working with newly-elected Governor Ventura, state budget, and decisive issue of tax cuts. Sviggum also answers listener questions. Program begins with MPR’s Martin Kaste providing a report on Reform party from the capitol.
November 5, 1998 - George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor, shares his thoughts of the role of public service and politicians. Topics include the recent election of “non-politician” Jesse Ventura, the change in electorate, governmental knowledge as a functioning public good, and the “legislative center.” Latimer also answers listener questions.
November 6, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Governor-elect Jesse Ventura about his election victory, the transition to his administration, and the national attention he's been getting. Program begins with Ventura reflecting on election night. Ventura also answers listener questions.