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.
January 29, 1999 - Christine Jax, commissioner of Children, Families and Learning, discusses the Governor's education budget with the chairs of the House and Senate K-12 education committees - DFL Senate Chairman, Larry Pogemiller; and Republican House Chair, Alice Seagren. Jax, Pogemiller, and Seagren also answer listener questions.
February 2, 1999 - Pat Harrison, project director of the Minnesota Student Survey, discusses the findings of the latest survey about teen sex, drugs, smoking and alcohol. Harrison is with the Department of Human Services. Harrison also answers listener questions.
February 3, 1999 - A Twin Cities speech by National Public Radio host Ray Suarez. He spoke at Macalester College about the history and future of American cities. Ray is writing a book due out in May, titled The Old Neighborhood: What We Lost in the Great Suburban Migration.
February 9, 1999 - Broadcast of Monday's Westminster Town Hall Forum address by Archbishop Desmond Tutu - he spoke about peace and reconciliation.
February 11, 1999 - Norman Ornstein, congressional analyst, discusses the work of congress, the politics of congress, and impeachment process. Ornstein also answers listener questions.
February 11, 1999 - Christine Jax, comissioner of the Department of Children Families and Learning; and DFL Representative Gene Pelowski explain and discuss the "Profiles of Learning."
February 17, 1999 - The February edition of our Voices of Minnesota series, featuring three pioneering Minnesota doctors: Dr. John Wild, who developed ultrasound for detecting breast cancer; Dr. Arne Anderson, a founder of the Minneapolis Children's Medical Center; and Dr. Betty Jerome, the first director of Teenage Medical Service in Minneapolis.
February 19, 1999 - Jody Williams, winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize discusses her international campaign to ban landmines. She is in the Twin Cities to speak at the annual Peace Prize Forum, held this year at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Williams also answers listener questions.
February 22, 1999 - A "Talk of Minnesota" program, presenting the views of MPR listeners on how Governor Ventura is doing his job. A preview to the next hour's live broadcast from the National Press Club.
February 23, 1999 - Doug Johnson, co-director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the U of M's Carlson School of Management; and Karl Egge, Director of the Entrepreneurship Program at Macalester College, discuss entrepreneurs and the characteristics of people who are successful in business. Program includes a rememberance of Curt Carlson. Johnson and Egge also answer listener questions.