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.
February 26, 1996 - Duane Benson, executive director Minnesota Business Partnership, comments on the loss of local ownership of companies.
February 23, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, who previews his State of the City Address. Coleman discusses the current conditions and future prospects for the city of St. Paul. Topics include local crime, riverfront development, taxes, and reinvestment. Coleman also answers listener questions.
February 22, 1996 - Midday presents a live broadcast of the Westminster Town Hall Forum, featuring Washington Post political writer E. J. Dionne, the author of the acclaimed book, Why American s Hate Politics.
February 21, 1996 - Midday presents Keith Lockhart, the artistic director of the Boston Pops Orchestra, speaking at the National Press Club. Lockhart talks of the importance of education and support of the arts.
February 20, 1996 - Joan Growe, Minnesota Secretary of State, examines the possibility of a presidential primary happening in Minnesota. The state has long had a caucus system in place. 1992 was the first time in decades that a primary took place in the state. Growe also answers listener questions.
February 15, 1996 - A Midday call-in program with award-winning writer James Fallows whose new book is titled Breaking the News: How the Media Undermine American Democracy.
February 14, 1996 - Midday presents John Dalton, Secretary of Navy, speaking at the National Press Club. Speech is entitled The State of the Navy.
February 13, 1996 - With the Iowa political caucuses results showing Bob Dole finishing first and Pat Buchanan finishing second, Republican activists Tom Horner and Sara Janacek discuss Republican presidential candidates’ views on some of the key issues of the day. Horner and Janacek also answer listener questions.
February 9, 1996 - Midday guest Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, answers listener questions on topics such as vouchers, discipline policies, all-day kindergarten, graduation standards, site-based management, and the other educational changes being discussed at the State Capitol.
February 8, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, a day after she gave her State of the City address. She talks about the condition of Minnesota's biggest city, with topics including mayoral role, violent crime, Minneapolis police, community programs, elementary education, and street drugs. Sayles Belton also answers listeners questions.