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 5, 2001 - Harry Hull, Minnesota's state epidemiologist, on if Minnesota's public health system prepared for a biological or chemical attack.
October 5, 2001 - Midday broadcasts stories from the Minnesota Public Radio series "Economy on the Edge".
October 9, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura answers questions from MPR listeners about the issues facing the state and the nation.
October 16, 2001 - St. Paul mayoral candidates Randy Kelly and Jay Benanav talk about why they should be Mayor, and answer questions from MPR listeners.
October 17, 2001 - Minneapolis mayoral candidates R.T. Rybak and Sharon Sayles Belton join host Gary Eichten in the studio on this Midday program. The candidates discuss various subjects, including community development, city budget, affordable housing, terrorism, and policing. They also answer listener questions.
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.