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.
June 10, 2010 - Journalist and best-selling author Sebastian Junger speaks at the UBS Forum about his book, titled War. The book follows a platoon of soldiers in Eastern Afghanistan and explores the psychological and social effects of combat in one of the most dangerous regions of the country.
June 21, 2010 - Former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer joins Midday to talk about the state of political discourse today, and share his views on major issues in the news.
June 22, 2010 - Midday presents Garrison Keillor speaking on poems, prose, and growing up in the northern suburbs at a Club Book program event in Blaine.
June 23, 2010 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Congressman Tim Walz, who represents Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. Topics include General Stanley McChrystal controversy, as well as the broader discussion on relationship between generals, diplomats, and the U.S. president. Walz also answers listener questions.
June 30, 2010 - Hear extended excerpts on questioning of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan by Minnesota’s U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
July 1, 2010 - Midday presents a broadcast of Minnesota's award-winning children’s author Kate DiCamillo talking about why she writes and how she does it. DiCamillo also takes questions from kids at a recent Club Book event in Apple Valley.
July 27, 2010 - In "North Country: The Making of Minnesota," author Mary Wingerd describes the relationships between Indians and whites in the 200 years before statehood and the early years of statehood.
August 31, 2010 - Midday presents a broadcast of playwright and humorist Kevin Kling, one of Minnesota's best-known storytellers, speaking at the Maplewood Library as part of the Club Book program. Along with several plays, Kling is the author of two collections of stories, The Dog Says How and Holiday Inn.
September 16, 2010 - On this Midday program, Ben Santer, research scientist at Program for Climate Model Diagnosis & and Intercomparison at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California; and Doug Kluck, central region manager for NOAA Climate Services, forecast the changes in natural resources, weather, and animal/human activities that might be needed to adapt to a changing climate.
September 17, 2010 - Minnesotan and #1 best-selling author John Sandford joins Midday to talk about his 4th book in the Virgil Flowers series. It takes place in southern Minnesota. Under his real name, John Camp, he was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.