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 15, 1998 - On this Midday, two former governors and two former chiefs of staff talk to Gary Eichten about the role of governor. Topics include the skills required, administration staff, understanding of state budget, and developing agenda. The guests also answer listener questions.
September 17, 1998 - Joan Growe, outgoing Minnesota Secretary of State, talks about her proposals for election reform, and analyzes the low turnout of 20% in Tuesday's primary election. Growe also answered listener questions.
September 18, 1998 - Arne Carlson, outgoing Governor of Minnesota, and William Freund, New York Stock Exchange Chief Economist Emeritus, speaking at 3rd annual Governor's Economic Summit held in St. Paul.
September 18, 1998 - Norm Coleman, St. Paul Mayor and Republican Gubernatorial nominee, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the issues in the campaign for governor. Topics include political ads, opponents in race, tax cuts, education, affordable housing, and abortion. Coleman also answers listener questions.
September 21, 1998 - Reminiscences of the late Muriel Humphrey Brown, wife and widow to the late Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. D.J. Leary, Norman Sherman, Jane Freeman, Arvonne Fraser and others share thoughts on Muriel Humphrey Brown’s life. Listeners also share reflections of the Humphrey’s.
September 21, 1998 - Author and storyteller Bill Holm, of Minneota, Minnesota. He gave the keynote speech at the "Healthy Living for Seniors Conference" in St. Cloud last week, and talked about the importance of telling your own story, and the stories of your community.
September 22, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Sioux Falls. Program highlights the farm crisis, and the low crop prices. Mark Steil interviews Stan Stevens, University of Minnesota Extension Economist, who shares insights on the factors playing into low prices, including weather and production risk.
September 22, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Sioux Falls. Program highlights the controversy over the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern coal train. The railroad wishes to create large expansion as coal hauler from Wyoming, through South Dakota, and into southern Minnesota. Mark Steil interviews Kevin Schieffer, president of Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad; and Paul Wilson, co-chair of Olmsted DM&E taskforce.
September 23, 1998 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator, talks about current issues facing congress, including a possible presidential impeachment proceeding, campaign finance reform, government appropriations and tax bills, farm legislation, and more. Wellstone shares his concern that congress has lost focus, and answers listener questions.
September 25, 1998 - Jim Ramstad, 3rd district Republican congressman and member of the House Ways and Means Committee, discusses issues facing Congress in the next two or three weeks before the election recess. Topics include taxes, impeachment, and outstanding bills in Congress. Ramstad also answers listener questions.