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.
August 16, 2011 - As State Senator Linda Berglin steps after a 39-year career in the Minnesota House and Senate, she stops by the Midday studio to reflect on her career and on Minnesota's health care system. Berglin’s legislative specialty was health care, and she moves to a new public policy job at Hennepin County.
August 19, 2011 - Architectural historian Larry Millett has written beautiful and informative books about Minnesota's most interesting homes and buildings. His newest book, "Once There Were Castles," describes 90 mansions and estates that have disappeared from Minnesota. Are there homes or buildings that you remember from the past? Some gems still standing?
September 1, 2011 - Midday presents an MPR special report from reporter Sasha Aslanian looking at a school that was held up as a model in St. Paul, but has since failed to meet federal standards. Following the report, St. Paul Superintendent Valeria Silva and Eric Mahmoud, founder of Harvest Prep and Best Academy, will discuss ways to improve the achievement of minority students.
September 2, 2011 - Garrison Keillor, the host of public radio's A Prairie Home Companion, joins MPR's Gary Eichten on the Carousel Park Stage at the Minnesota State Fair to share stories and answer questions from the audience about his long career as a broadcaster and author.
September 16, 2011 - On this Midday, two guests talk about 50 years of the Minnesota Vikings. Writer Jim Klobuchar, who covered the Vikings from day one, September 17, 1961, joins Midday to talk about the history of the team and the game of football? Following that, a conversation with Tommy Mason, Minnesota Viking’s first player.
October 4, 2011 - Midday presents an American RadioWorks documentary titled Don't Lecture Me, which looks at how some are rethinking the way college students learn.
October 11, 2011 - Former GOP presidential candidate and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty sits down with MPR's Gary Eichten to reflect on his failed presidential bid, his two terms as governor, and his future career in or out of politics. This is the first public interview since he dropped out of the race for president.
October 27, 2011 - A new study led by University of Minnesota researchers shows that annual flu shots protect only about 59% of the population. How good are vaccines, and how important to public health? Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, provides insights on the effectiveness of vaccines.
November 1, 2011 - Midday looks back at the life and career of Tom Keith (aka Jim Ed Poole). He was known nationally as the sound effects man on A Prairie Home Companion. He also co-hosted The Morning Show on Minnesota Public Radio for 25 years. Friends and colleagues reminisce about the legendary radio personality. Program includes a profile of Tom Keith.
November 11, 2011 - On this special Veterans Day Midday program, a remembrance of legendary radio dramatist Norman Corwin with a short documentary on his career, and excerpts from his masterpiece, On a Note of Triumph, which remains the most listened to radio drama in U.S. history. Later in the hour, author Tim O'Brien reads and discusses his critically acclaimed short story collection on the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried.