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 26, 2010 - A Midday re-broadcast of "The Big Time: F. Scott Fitzgerald," a staged storytelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald's vision of making it big. The original MPR-commissioned production of words and music was written by Patricia Hampl, with music direction by Dan Chouinard, and features singer Blake Hazard, who is Fitzgerald's great-granddaughter.
December 3, 2010 - A special broadcast of Kevin Kling's play, "Scarecrow on Fire." Based on the classic tale "The Wizard of Oz," the play picks up where that story left off. The production was commissioned by Minnesota Public Radio as part of the Fitzgerald Theater's 100th anniversary. The ensemble cast features Dan Chouinard as the Tin Man, Stephen Yoakam as the Lion, the Wizard, and others, Simone Perrin as Dorothy, and Kevin Kling as the Scarecrow.
December 23, 2010 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with former Republican U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger about landmark health care law signed by President Barack Obama earlier in 2010, and the push by some in Congress to already repeal the law. Durenberger also answers listener questions.
December 27, 2010 - The year 2010 brought Republican electoral gains, in Minnesota and across the country, as well as another recount in a statewide election. Midday's political analysts look ahead to politics in 2011.
January 26, 2011 - Minnesotans Al Eisele and Bill Frenzel, each with more than 40 years of participation in Washington politics and journalism, join Midday to discuss how Minnesota's power and influence has ebbed and flowed over the years.
February 18, 2011 - Midday presents A Prairie Home Companion host and creator Garrison Keillor speaking to an audience at Concordia University in St. Paul about the challenges he's had to face as a writer and how his upbringing has helped him deal with them.
March 8, 2011 - Interview with Steve Sviggum and Roger Moe.
April 15, 2011 - MPR Presents "Writing Minnesota," a special program highlighting Minnesota writers and authors. Program showcases some of the exciting literary work coming out of the state.
April 21, 2011 - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman joins Midday to answer questions about city schools, jobs, parks, transportation, the Central Corridor LRT, development, and taxes. Coleman also answers listener questions.
April 21, 2011 - Midday presents internationally renowned scholar Marcus Borg speaking at Westminster Town Hall Forum. Borg’s topic is reclaiming the language of Christianity.