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.
December 22, 1994 - Allan Baumgarten, independent consultant on health care management, talks about a study showing large reserves held by many HMOs.
December 21, 1994 - Linda Berglin, DFL state representative and chair of the Minnesota Health Committee, discusses expansion of MnCare, federal funding, and taxes.
December 19, 1994 - A special Midday broadcast on the privatization of public schools, with group of guests that share their viewpoints and answer listener questions. The focus of conversation is the use of private companies by public school districts.
December 18, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten has a wide ranging conversation with outgoing U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, who reflects on his 16-year tenure in the U.S. Senate and on what’s next. Durenberger also answers listener call-in questions.
December 13, 1994 - Ann Rest, DFL state representative and chair of Minnesota House Tax Committee, comments on study that shows Minnesota as the fifth highest state in the nation for taxes.
December 13, 1994 - Arne Carlson, Minnesota governor (I-R), discusses his reelection. Topics include shift of power from federal to states, balanced budget amendment, state spending, MET Council, new EJJ law, and non-profits. Carlson also answers questions from listeners.
December 12, 1994 - Tom Sherman, partner at Coopers & Lybrand accounting firm, explains definition of “middle-class” and tax cuts that are meaningful to that group.
December 8, 1994 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator and progressive Democrat, discusses the Bosnia situation and potential war in Yugoslavia. Other topics include political labels, balanced budget amendment, farm bill, and welfare reform. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
December 7, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Bill Green, Minneapolis school board member, about district reorganization plan that would divide city into four sectors, with students going to their “home” sector. Some are concerned that it will create racial imbalances in some schools and hurt efforts to improve education in state.
December 1, 1994 - Norm Coleman, mayor of St. Paul; and Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis, discuss their completion of first year in respective offices. Both talk about the future of the cities. They also address current challenges, including racial issues, schools, crime in Minneapolis, and the empty Town Square in St. Paul. Coleman and Sayles Belton also answer listener questions.