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.
October 27, 1994 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews I-R candidate Gil Gutknecht; and DFL candidate John Hottinger, both running for the 1st District. Following that, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews incumbent DFL candidate Martin Sabo; and I-R candidate Dorothy Legrand, both running for 5th District.
October 24, 1994 - New York Times nutrition and health columnist Jane Brody will be in the studios to answer listener questions about food, nutrition, and health.
October 21, 1994 - Joe Biernat, chair of Minneapolis City Council’s Public Safety Committee, shares his thoughts on announcement of Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux’s departure and search for new department leader.
October 20, 1994 - Martin Sampson, professor in the Political Science department at University of Minnesota, provides commentary on situation in Middle East, political strategies of the various parties, and extremist violence.
October 20, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former Minnesota Vikings football star Bill Brown about the long held rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
October 14, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Ann Wynia, DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, who discusses political issues of the campaign. Legislative topics include building coalitions, taxes, and balanced budget. Wynia also answers listener questions.
October 13, 1994 - John Marty, DFL gubernatorial candidate, details his concerns over Minnesota tax structure and incumbent Governor Arne Carlson’s tax policy.
October 13, 1994 - Noted Minnesota author Carol Bly comments on Kenzaburō Ōe, winner of 1994 Nobel Prize for Literature. Bly shares her thoughts on writing that contains a social component.
October 11, 1994 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on Iraqi/Kuwait border situation in which U.S. troops were deployed. Wellstone also discusses sanctions against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq.
October 11, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews local economist Paul Anton about game theory-economics. Anton provides a definition and presents theatrical examples.