MPR News editor-at-large and retired host Gary Eichten has worn many hats during his 40-plus-year career at Minnesota Public Radio, including news director, special events producer and station manager. He has 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.
A graduate of St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, Eichten began his career at Minnesota Public Radio as a student announcer at KSJR (Minnesota Public Radio'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, he was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting's Hall of Fame. Eichten has also been awarded the prestigious 2011 Graven Award by the Premack Public Affairs Journalism Awards Board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession.
November 17, 2008 - Author and humorist Garrison Keillor talked about poetry, writing and his own relationship with the library at this month's "Talk of the Stacks" series at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis.
November 14, 2008 - U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger discussed the 2008 election results and their implications, at a recent discussion sponsored by the Minneapolis Club and the Minneapolis Foundation.
November 7, 2008 - Hector Tobar, the son of Guatemalan immigrants, author of "Translation Nation" and Los Angeles Times Mexico City bureau chief, spoke recently during a Westminster Town Hall Forum.
November 4, 2008 - Election night coverage part 4 (aircheck 12am to 1am plus)
November 4, 2008 - Election night coverage part 3 (aircheck 10pm to 12am) Includes McCain concession speech and Obama victory speech.
November 4, 2008 - Election night coverage part 2 (aircheck 8pm to 10pm)
November 4, 2008 - Election night coverage part 1 (aircheck 6pm to 8pm)
October 24, 2008 - Popular Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Carrol Henderson joins Midday to talk about his new book, "Birds in Flight: The Art and Science of How Birds Fly."
October 17, 2008 - Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio Morning Edition host, highlights the history of one of Minnesota's most famous roads in her new book "Tales of the Road: Highway 61." She joins Midday to share her stories.
October 14, 2008 - As part of the Meet the Candidate series, Midday presents Minnesota 1st Congressional District debate between incumbent DFL Representative Tim Walz and his Republican challenger Brian Davis as they met in Mankato to debate the issues. Walz and Davis spar on topics of economy, energy, foreign policy, social security, and healthcare.