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 11, 2001 - Amy Tan
January 17, 2001 - Jim Kaat, former Twins broadcaster, and Howard Sinker, MPR sports analyst, discuss Baseball Hall-of-Famer Kirby Puckett. Program also features Kirby’s retirement statement, reports on his election to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and call-in commentary from listeners.
January 17, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura remarks at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum called "Moving Minnesota: How Is Tri-partisan Government Working?" Other remarks from House Republican Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty and Senate DFL Majority Leader Roger Moe.
January 18, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about his decision to run for re-election and the political environment. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
January 30, 2001 - A new American Radioworks documentary, Prison Diaries.
January 31, 2001 - Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the MPR studios to talk about the state of the judicial system in Minnesota. Focus of conversation is on how state court system is overwhelmed handling two million cases a year and the need for more funding. Justice Blatz also answers listener call-in questions.
January 31, 2001 - Author Margaret Atwood, speaking recently as part of the Pen Pals Lecture Series sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. Her latest book is The Blind Assassin.
February 16, 2001 - Texas author and radio commentator Jim Hightower discusses his new book, If the Gods Had Meant Us To Vote They Would Have Given Us Candidates.
February 28, 2001 - Minnesota Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum and DFL Senate Assistant Majority Leader John Hottinger talk about their priorities, in light of new state revenue forecast. Program contains pledge drive segments.
February 28, 2001 - Music producer T. Bone Burnett joins Gary Eichten from Los Angeles to talk about his latest movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and his life in the music world. On the program, T. Bone mentioned three artists to check out if you like the soundtrack from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" They are Elizabeth Cotton, Skip James, and Washington Phillips.