Gary Eichten has spent more than 40 years with MPR, serving in a variety of roles including station manager, news director and his current role as host of Midday.
Eichten began his career at Minnesota Public Radio as a student announcer at Collegeville’s KSJR, MPR’s first station. Among the honors Eichten has received during his career is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Award for Best Local News Program. 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. Most recently, Eichten was awarded with the prestigious 2011 Graven Award by the Premack Public Affairs Journalism Awards Board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession.
October 20, 1987 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's "Minnesota Family Strength Project" Midday features a discussion about the role of extended family with guest Miriam Reibold, past president of the Minnesota Senior Federation. Listeners call in with questions.
January 24, 1996 - Midday discusses the design, performance and safety features of new cars, and the best strategies for purchasing them, with guest Jack Gillis, author of "The Car Book." Listeners call in with questions.
February 1, 1996 - The Guthrie Theater's new artistic director, Joe Dowling, visits Midday to answer questions from listeners about the new season of Guthrie plays and the theater world in general.
February 2, 1996 - Midday discusses the military situation in Bosnia with guests retired Marine Colonel David Evans, Director of National Defense Issues for the organization Business Executives for National Security, and Debbie Lee, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.
February 8, 1996 - Midday speaks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, who gave her State of the City addess Wednesday night. She talks about the condition of Minnesota's biggest city. Listeners call in with questions.
February 13, 1996 - With the Iowa political caucuses results showing Bob Dole finishing first and Pat Buchanan finishing second, Tom Horner and Sara Janacek, both Republican activists, discuss Republican presidential candidates’ views on some of the key issues of the day. Horner and Janacek also answer listener questions.
February 20, 1996 - Midday examines the possibility of a presidential primary in Minnesota with guest Joan Growe, Minnesota Secretary of State. Listeners call in with questions.
February 23, 1996 - Midday speaks with St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman who previews next week's "State of the City Address". He also answers listener questions about the current conditions and future prospects for the city of St. Paul.
February 29, 1996 - Labor Secretary Robert Reich joins Midday from Washington to talk about his proposals to address the economic insecurity many Americans face, the unemployment situation, and to answer listener questions.
March 5, 1996 - On precinct caucus day Midday speaks with Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate, Bert McKasy, Roy Terwiliger and Steve Young. Rudy Boschwitz declined a joint appearance. Listeners call in with questions.