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 17, 2009 - Environmentalist Lester Brown lays out his plan for saving the planet. Lester Brown, a longtime leader in the environmental movement, discusses climate change, food security, and energy policy. He is out with a new book titled, "Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization."
November 19, 2009 - On this Midday, an episode of “Ask the President.” Bill Kling joins Midday host Gary Eichten in the studio to answer listener questions about MPR and about the future of news.
November 26, 2009 - With music and stories for Thanksgiving, it's Giving Thanks: a Celebration of Fall, Food, and Gratitude. This year, we remember the great American writer John Updike. From his 2002 Giving Thanks visit, Updike shares November reflections and holiday memories, including a Thanksgiving verse he wrote for his children. From his book Americana, he'll read a soaring poem of gratitude, "To a Skylark."
November 27, 2009 - Playwright and humorist Kevin Kling talks about his new book, "Holiday Inn," which he calls "a romp through a year of holidays." Kling spoke at the Minneapolis Central Library as part of the library's Talk of the Stacks program. Kevin Kling is a Minnesota playwright, humorist and occasional public radio commentator. His new book is called "Holiday Inn."
December 9, 2009 - Garrison Keillor speaks at the Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church in St. Paul about life, literature, and his new book, "A Christmas Blizzard." Keillor is the host of the public radio program "A Prairie Home Companion" and the author of more than a dozen books.
January 1, 2010 - Playwright and humorist Kevin Kling talks about his new book, "Holiday Inn," which he calls "a romp through a year of holidays." Kling spoke at the Minneapolis Central Library as part of the library's Talk of the Stacks program.
January 8, 2010 - Republican Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem and Republican House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers preview their priorities to solve the state's budget crisis and address key issues in the 2010 legislative session opening February 4th.
January 14, 2010 - Miep Gies, the woman who helped hide Anne Frank from the Nazis and later saved Anne's diary, died this week in Amsterdam. She was 100 years old. Midday features a remembrance of Gies, plus an excerpt from an interview with Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel.
February 3, 2010 - On the eve of the 2010 legislative session, Gov. Tim Pawlenty joins Gary Eichten in the MPR studios to answer questions about the state budget and the issues that will be the focus of the upcoming legislative session. He talks about the legislature, government spending, unallotment, GAMC, teacher unions, mortgage foreclosures
February 24, 2010 - Award-winning Minnesota history author Dave Kenney discusses the history of the Boy Scouts in central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Kenney is out with a book on the subject, entitled Honor Bright: A Century of Scouting in Northern Star Council. Kenney also answers listener questions.