For many who have listened to the airwaves over the previous decades, Gary Eichten’s voice is synonymous to Minnesota Public Radio. The retired MPR News editor-at-large Eichten has worn many hats during his 40-plus-year career at MPR, including news director, special events producer, and station manager. He routinely served as host for Minnesota Public Radio's live-special events news coverage, and has hosted all of the major news programs on Minnesota Public Radio, including Midday (which he hosted for more than 20 years!).
It all began on April Fool’s Day in 1967, when Eichten started his career at Minnesota Public Radio as a student announcer at Collegeville’s KSJR, MPR’s first station. He became the station’s one-man news department and quickly found that turning up his headphones forced him to speak more intimately, which gave him that radio voice.
In the fall of 1992, Eichten moved from hosting the regional late-afternoon edition of All Things Considered to hosting Midday. In his new role, Eichten personified the art of hosting, a tradition begun by the program’s previous host, Bob Potter. It also solidified Gary’s distinct tone and insightful questions that listeners came to hear as being MPR.
As Midday host, Eichten let his guests answer those questions and sought to understand their responses. With daily early morning research, his respectful but direct on-air style, and assistance from his long-time producer Sara Meyer, Eichten found himself making memorable radio…from a poignant sign-off of the original regional “All Things Considered,” a live on-air moment with a contentious Governor Ventura, to even a pledge drive.
Among the honors Eichten received during his MPR career is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Award for Best Local News Program and the prestigious 2011 Graven Award by the Premack Public Affairs Journalism Awards Board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession. He also assisted in the development of two Peabody award-winning documentaries. In 2007, Eichten was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting's Hall of Fame.
Simply put, Mr. Eichten is a Minnesota treasure, on and off the air.
This large curation is indicative of the breadth of that work.
August 5, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with local critic and author Karal Ann Marling about controversial art at the Minnesota State Fair. Marling share shares her thoughts about fair in general.
August 17, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker details the poor play of the reigning championship Minnesota Twins as the 1992 regular season hits the final weeks of play.
August 17, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews researcher about status and aftermath of a train derailment near Duluth that led to spillage of toxic chemicals and city evacuation. Interviewee states that long-term health effects are unlikely from the brief exposure to gaseous cloud.
August 18, 1992 - Former Minnesota Governor Elmer L. Anderson talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about how the Minnesota GOP party has changed and become more conservative over the years.
August 19, 1992 - Joseph Komro, director of the Minnesota State Band, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about concert series and history of the band.
August 20, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Steven E. Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, about the negative impact for President Bush in changing course with tax increase policy.
August 29, 1992 - On this Minnesota State Fair Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Sharon Anderson about dog training. Anderson also answers audience and listener questions.
September 7, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten gets a history lesson on Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Corn Palace, created to promote South Dakota agriculture, celebrates its 100th birthday in 1992.
September 14, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Bob Weinholzer, MN GOP chairman, about his disapproval on the concept of crossover voting in primaries.
September 17, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews racing coach of Paycheck, a turkey who was to compete in Worthington Turkey Race until found killed. It makes for a strange conversation.