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.
November 2, 1999 - Governor Jesse Ventura's first year, and a look ahead. We hear from former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, Ventura campaign Media Chair Gerry Drewry, MPR listeners and more.
November 3, 1999 - Election '99: Reports on the St. Paul ballpark vote, school elections, Duluth and St.Cloud votes, interviews on the interest in voting on ballot initiatives, school board and levy referenda elections, the "Progressive Minnesota" organization, and more.
November 4, 1999 - The Consumer Federation of America is out today with a new study on consumer problems associated with Internet shopping. Guests include Jack Gillis of the Consumer Federation and Robert Ellis of the Center for the Study of Services, a non-profit consumer research organization in Washington DC.
November 5, 1999 - Latest edition of the Voices of Minnesota series with retired University of Minnesota Journalism Professor Don Gillmor and retired Star Tribune political reporter Betty Wilson.
November 8, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud for a pre-Veterans Day show. In this first hour of program, host Rachel Reabe and guests focus on the health care system and the increasing demands on the system as our vets grow older.
November 8, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud for a pre-Veterans Day show. In this second hour of program, host Rachel Reabe and guests discuss veterans organizations, such as American Legion or VFW posts. The group talk about the impact of these organizations on the community, and their evolution over time.
November 10, 1999 - A "Minnesota Century" broadcast featuring special reports from the turn of the century, 100 years ago. Program contains pledge drive segments.
November 11, 1999 - Legendary radio broadcaster Norman Corwin's radio play On a Note of Triumph, which aired on V-E Day on May 8, 1945.
November 12, 1999 -
November 15, 1999 - MPR's special week of programming "The Surveillance Society" begins on Midday, where we hear about the range of private information about people that is available, who can find it, and how. Guests Ari Schwartz, policy analyst at the Center for Democracy & Technology in Washington D.C.; and Don Ray, independent investigative journalist and author of Public Records Primer and Investigators Handbook give insights into the topic.