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 17, 2001 - Audio excerpts from Midday program with Minneapolis mayoral candidates.
October 29, 2001 - It's John Adams' birthday and to celebrate, a speech and an interview with best-selling historian David McCullough. McCullough talks about his new book, "John Adams".
November 2, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, who shares his views on numerous political and social topics. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
November 2, 2001 - Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, gives an update on the anthrax threat in the United States.
November 6, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the studio to answer MPR listener questions. Jesse Ventura talks about the Twins, stadiums, the end of tax rebates, and the election. During program, Ventura gets into a lively discussion with a caller regarding stadium and tax dollars.
November 7, 2001 - Midday presents an update on the future of the Minnesota Twins and professional baseball in Minnesota with a discussion with Jay Weiner, Star Tribune sportswriter and MPR sport analyst; and Bill Lester, executive director of the Sports Facilities Commission; and attorney Michael Ciresi.
November 14, 2001 - On this special edition of Midday, Gary Eichten hosts and moderates MPR's Color of Justice Forum, held at the Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis. Panelists include St. Paul Police Chief Bill Finney, DFL State Senator Jane Ranum, Republican State Representative and Minneapolis Police Inspector Rich Stanek, Hennepin County Judge Tanya Bransford, Hennepin County Public Defender Leonardo Castro, and Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Sheryl Ramstad-Hvass.
November 15, 2001 - A collection of reports from the MPR special series "The Color of Justice," which investigates the racial disparity in Minnesota’s criminal justice system. This Midday program includes reports by MPR’s Dan Olson, Brandt Williams, and Elizabeth Stawicki, as well as various interviews and commentary of officials, academics, and community members.
November 20, 2001 - The Bush administration embarked on a campaign to tell the world about the Taliban's repression of Afghan women. Gary Eichten discusses the US role in promoting women's rights and human rights among our enemies and our allies with Barbara Frey, professor of International Human Rights at the University of Minnesota, and director of the Human Rights Program at the U's Institute for Global Studies.
November 21, 2001 - A Westminster Town Hall Forum speech by Tom Diaz, senior policy analyst at the Violence Policy Center in Washington DC. He's the author of "Making a killing: the business of guns in America".