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 4, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with local sports commentator Howard Sinker about the retirement of Minnesota Twin first baseman Kent Hrbek. Sinker shares high praise of Hrbek, who played an integral part on the Twins roster for the 1987 and 1991 World Series Championships.
August 5, 1994 - Emily Galusha, member of Northern Clay Center on Art Fairs, talks about the various Twin Cities art fairs. Galusha comments on the growing public interest and quality of artists as the years have progressed.
August 16, 1994 - On this Midday program, Jim Solem discusses his new role as regional administrator at Metropolitan Council. Topics include changes/growth at the Council, transit, and housing. Solem also answers listener questions.
August 19, 1994 - Jack Tunheim, Chief Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota, discusses President Clinton’s federal crime bill, known as Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. Topics include increase in police force, stiffer penalties, and assault weapons ban. Tunheim also answered listener questions.
August 25, 1994 - Live from the Minnesota State Fair, Midday’s Gary Eichten moderates a debate between the primary DFL gubernatorial candidates Tony Bouza, Mike Hatch, and John Marty. The candidates for governor battle over the topics of crime and ecomony.
August 26, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten presents excerpts of Governor Arne Carlson and former Minnesota State Representative Alan Quist's appearances on Midday program. The two are vying as Independent Republican candidates for governor.
August 26, 1994 - With the murder of a St. Paul officer, Minneapolis Police Sergeant Pat McGowan talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about the dangers of policing and the toll stress can take on an officer.
September 13, 1994 - Celeste Brosenne, exhibit curator; and Steve Keillor, exhibit content expert, discuss the Minnesota Historical Society exhibit "On The Campaign Trail," which explores old and new political campaigns and how they have changed. Brosenne and Keillor also answer listener questions.
September 14, 1994 - Tom Horner, I-R political analyst; and Sara Stoesz, DFL political analyst, discuss yesterday's primary election results. Winners of the primary included Arne Carlson, Rod Grams, John Marty, and Ann Widia. Horner and Stoesz also share thoughts on the upcoming general election.
September 14, 1994 - Kathryn Worre, a Minnesota Christian right political activist, discusses the loss of conservative candidate Allen Quist in Independent Republican primary. Woore states she will not support I-R gubernatorial candidate Arnie Carlson in the general election.