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.
October 23, 1996 - Midday offers a chance to hear from candidates in the 5th and 3rd Congressional Districts. For the first half hour, 5th District DFL Congressman Martin Sabo and his Republican challenger Jack Uldrich. For the second half hour, 3rd District Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad and his DFL challenger Stan Leino.
October 21, 1996 - As part of MPR's week-long focus on tax and spending issues in the election, Midday discusses the tax and spending priorities for the next session of the Minnesota Legislature with studio guests House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Ember Reichgott Junge. The two also answer listener questions.
October 18, 1996 - As part of Midday's "Meet the Candidates" series, guest Dean Barkley, Reform Party candidate for U.S. Senate, talks about his campaign, state of Reform Party, and answers questions from Minnesota Public Radio listeners.
October 16, 1996 - Martin Sabo, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th District, reflects on colleague Jim Rice, who passed away after having a heart attack at the State Capitol.
October 15, 1996 - Midday looks at crime initiatives in the Minnesota Legislature with guests Democratic representative Wes Skoglund and Republican representative Rich Stanek. The two discuss various crime proposals, crime rates, and answer listener questions.
October 9, 1996 - As part of a special week long focus on education issues, Midday examines Minnesota's largest institution of higher education…the University of Minnesota. Guests Marvin Marshak, senior vice president for Academic Affairs; and State Representative Becky Kelso, who chairs the University of Minnesota Finance Division in the state House, discuss aspects of the state universities and answer listener questions.
October 8, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast from St. Cloud of the U.S. Senate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The three major party candidates participate: DFL U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, Republican Rudy Boschwitz, and Reform Party candidate Dean Barkley.
October 4, 1996 - As part of Meet the Candidates series, Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about recent legislation passed in Congress and the 1996 senate race. Listeners also call-in with questions.
October 3, 1996 - Midday discusses changes in the law concerning welfare reform with guest John Petraborg, commissioner at Minnesota Human Services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and what the changes mean for recipients and taxpayers is the focus of conversation. Petraborg also answers listener questions.
September 30, 1996 - Roger Moe, Minnesota Senate majority leader, talks about survey over public funding for a new ballpark and the debate at State Capitol.