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.
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.
May 11, 2011 - A Prairie Home Companion host and author Garrison Keillor speaks at the Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries dinner about writing, performing, and how libraries are a refuge from the outside world.
May 17, 2011 - Midday presents a special hour remembering Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, who died of esophageal cancer at the age of 74. Program includes a profile, interviews, and call-in comments from listeners.
June 7, 2011 - Can we end hunger in Minnesota? Hunger-Free Minnesota launches a three-year effort to provide 100 million more meals a year for hungry adults and children in Minnesota. How can an initiative like this work? What's needed to make it successful? Guests Rob Zeaske and Robbin Johnson discuss project.