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.
September 26, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Minnesota State Public Defender John Stuart who shares the history of juries, established court norms, and trends in the court system.
September 28, 1994 - Local activist, scholar, and professor Mahmoud El-Kati shares his thoughts on topic of multiculturalism in the United States. El-Kati strongly disagrees with the view from academic Arthur Schlesinger Jr. that multiculturalism is damaging unity in U.S. society.
September 29, 1994 - Eugene McCarthy, former Minnesota Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate, discusses politics, philosophy, baseball, amongst other topics. McCarthy also answers listener questions. During program, McCarthy shares personal recollections and recites one of his poems, written about Lyndon Johnson.
October 4, 1994 - Father Michael O'Connell, of the Basilica of Saint Mary and the Church of the Ascension in North Minneapolis, explains the purpose and act of animal blessing.
October 6, 1994 - Eli Coleman, director of program on Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota, discusses results of research study, which includes insight that measuring behavior is not the only piece in defining sexual health. Topics of married couples and sexual preference are discussed.
October 10, 1994 - Republican Rod Grams, who is running against DFL Anny Wynia for the vacated Minnesota U.S. senate seat, discusses political issues of the campaign. Legislative topics include crime bill (assault weapons), science investment, and campaign reform. Grams also answers listener questions.
October 11, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews local economist Paul Anton about game theory-economics. Anton provides a definition and presents theatrical examples.
October 14, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Ann Wynia, DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, who discusses political issues of the campaign. Legislative topics include building coalitions, taxes, and balanced budget. Wynia also answers listener questions.
October 20, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former Minnesota Vikings football star Bill Brown about the long held rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
October 21, 1994 - Joe Biernat, chair of Minneapolis City Council’s Public Safety Committee, shares his thoughts on announcement of Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux’s departure and search for new department leader.