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.
March 20, 1995 - Jim Ramstad, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District, defends Republican efforts to cut federal budget, which will include some social programs.
March 17, 1995 - Martin Sabo, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, shares his thoughts about Republican efforts to cut federal budget, with a reduction/elimination to many social programs.
March 16, 1995 - Dr. Tsukayama, an infection diseases specialist at Hennepin County Medical Center, on uncommon disease outbreaks hitting a handful of residents in Goodhue County.
March 16, 1995 - Isaac Stern, world-renowned violinist, speaking before members of the Minnesota Finance State Government Division. Stern urged continued support for the arts.
March 10, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten gets insights from Mike Martin, a gang unit investigator at Minneapolis Police Department, about uptick in violent crime in the city and the connections to gang activity.
March 10, 1995 - A Midday interview with Minneapolis assessor regarding Target Center property tax agreement.
March 9, 1995 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Dr. Guilford Hartley, doctor of internal medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, about the limitations of dieting. Dr. Hartley also discusses the limits of exercise alone in losing weight. He states lifestyle changes is the best opportunity in losing weight.
March 6, 1995 - Monty Martin, director of Income Maintenance Program for Ramsey County, talks about proposed changes of federal social programs and the impact to individuals on a local level.
February 27, 1995 - Mitch Pearlstein, president of the Center of the American Experiment; and Steven Zachary, director of Minnesota Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, discuss the political and social debate regarding affirmative action. Pearlstein and Zachary also answer listener questions.
February 20, 1995 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator (D), discusses the Senate. Topics include cuts, balanced budget amendment, social programs, and endowments. Wellstone also answers listener questions.