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.
September 11, 1996 - In connection with a local visit of the King and Queen of Sweden, Midday features a program about Sweden and Swedish immigrants to Minnesota. Studio guest is Mariann Tiblin, of the University of Minnesota; and phone guest is professor Byron Nordstrom of Gustavus Adolphus College. Tiblin and Nordstrom talk about Scandinavians and history on settlement in region.
September 3, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Irma Coleman, director of Teaching and Learning in Department of Children, Families, and Learning, about state testing requirements being instituted in order for student to receive a highschool diploma.
September 2, 1996 - On this special Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with political analysts Bob Meek and Tom Horner at the MPR Fair booth. They discuss politics at the traditional start of the campaign season. Meek and Horner also answer fairgoer questions.
August 30, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Winona LaDuke, vice-presidential pick of Ralph Nader in the 1996 election. LaDuke, a Native American of the White Earth Reservation, is an environmentalist and writer.
August 30, 1996 - Midday host Gary Eichten speaks with guest Bob Cabana, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA and three-time space shuttle astronaut. Listeners call in with questions.
August 29, 1996 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks about his vote against a welfare bill in U.S. Senate that he sees as too harsh. Wellstone details his hope that changes will be made in coming year.
August 29, 1996 - Midday presents Walter Mondale, former vice president and U.S. ambassador to Japan, speaking at Minnesota Meeting held at Marriott Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Mondale’s address focuses on America’s relationship with Japan and Asia as a whole. After speech, Mondale answers questions from the audience.
August 28, 1996 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker discusses the excellent play of veteran Paul Molitor and Twins chances of making MLB playoffs.
August 23, 1996 - Garrison Keillor hosts his annual “Minnesota Quiz” in MPR booth at the Minnesota State Fair. Audience members try to answer various questions about for prizes. Topics of quiz include state history, sports, weather and arts. Gary Eichten briefly closes out program.
August 21, 1996 - Midday examines The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). As President Clinton prepares to sign it, guests Jim Koppell, member of the Children's Defense Fund and a vice president at the MN Hospital and Health Care Partnership; and former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, discuss its impact on the public. Koppell and Durenberger also answer listener questions.