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.
April 8, 1996 - Don Arnosti, state director of Minnesota Chapter of the National Audubon Society, provides insights into the status of biodiversity in the state. Topics include Minnesota prairies, forests, and food crops.
April 3, 1996 - State Senator Ted Mondale comments on decision at State Capitol to expand existing Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, rather than building a new one at another site.
April 3, 1996 - Midday examines Affirmative Action with guests Daniel Farber, University of Minnesota constitutional law professor; and John Skrentny, University of Pennsylvania sociology professor. Guests also answer listeners questions.
April 2, 1996 - Bob McFarlin, director of public affairs at Minnesota Department of Transportation, shares what a proposed five-cent gas tax increase would offer the public in regards to maintenance projects.
April 1, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with John Labosky, the president of The Capital City Partnership, about the newly created organization’s plans for revitalizing downtown St. Paul.
March 28, 1996 - Robert Leech, executive director of Minnesota Board of Medical Practices, comments on a Public Citizen study that shows doctors that continue to practice despite violations, some being serious crimes.
March 28, 1996 - Martin Sabo, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th District, shares his opposition on Congress passage of a line-item veto ability for a U.S. President.
March 28, 1996 - Midday discusses the 1996 Education Bill and changes in public education with guests DFL State Senator Larry Pogemiller, the chair of the Senate Education Committee; and Republican State Senator Gen Olson. Guests also answer listeners questions.
March 27, 1996 - Midday’s Gar Eichten interviews Moonyeen Bongaards, deputy chair of Minnesota State Republican Party, talks about her decision to move her nomination support from Pat Buchanan to Bob Dole.
March 22, 1996 - Midday presents a discussion on political integrity with guest Stephen Carter of Yale University, who is out with book titled Integrity. Carter also answers listener questions.