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.
August 30, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Mark Jarboe, attorney and head of Dorsey & Whitney’s Indian Law department, about American Indian law sovereignty.
August 25, 1995 - Midday presents two pieces: A Soundprint piece titled Giptown, which looks at former sideshow performers who are now residents of Gibsonton, Florida; and a Voices of Minnesota segment profiling former Minnesota Twins owner Calvin Griffith.
August 24, 1995 - Midday presents a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair featuring U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, DFL-Minnesota. Wellstone answers questions from fairgoers and MPR listeners.
August 11, 1995 - Judith Martin, professor of geography and director of the urban studies program at the University of Minnesota, comments on geographic component of St. Paul murders and how they are viewed compared to Minneapolis.
August 11, 1995 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Art Wirtz, fire information officer for U.S. Forest Service, about status of fire north of Gunflint Trail. Wirtz discusses dry conditions, evacuations, and the crews battling fire.
August 9, 1995 - Dick Welch, section manager for Non-Smoking and Health at Minnesota Department of Health, details results of survey on teenage smokers in the state.
August 9, 1995 - Mayor Norm Coleman addresses safety concerns in downtown St. Paul, especially at night. He focuses on complaints from establishments like Mickey’s.
August 9, 1995 - Midday presents an NPR Special Report on the end of World War II in 1945, upon the U.S. bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. Scott Simon hosts report that includes various historical readings, audio, and interviews.
August 8, 1995 - MPRs Gary Eicthen interviews Sarah Jaehne about push by Independence Party in finding support for Colin Powell as a presidential candidate.
August 4, 1995 - Midday presents Tipper Gore speaking at a conference on families, co-sponsored by Vice-President Al Gore and the University of Minnesota's Children, Youth and Family Consortium. Gore’s address was on the topic of sex and violence in the media and its effect on children.