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 5, 1994 - Emily Galusha, member of Northern Clay Center on Art Fairs, talks about the various Twin Cities art fairs. Galusha comments on the growing public interest and quality of artists as the years have progressed.
August 4, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with local sports commentator Howard Sinker about the retirement of Minnesota Twin first baseman Kent Hrbek. Sinker shares high praise of Hrbek, who played an integral part on the Twins roster for the 1987 and 1991 World Series Championships.
August 2, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Mary Jo O'Brien, commissioner of the Minnesota Health Department, about MinnesotaCare and how efforts for a federal health care reform would impact the state’s health care program.
August 2, 1994 - Nils Hasselmo, president of the University of Minnesota, discusses the differences between Swedes and Norwegians. Hasselmo states that a once tense relationship is now a much more fun rivalry.
August 2, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman about the start of a city community initiative, called “SafeCity St. Paul.” Coleman details how communications, auditing, and creating an action agenda are being implemented in order to foster safer neighborhoods.
August 2, 1994 - Midday presents a community policing MPR documentary entitled A New Kind of Cop, followed by a discussion and call-in with Lucy Gerold, director of Community Services Bureau for the Minneapolis Police Department. Gerold comments on local efforts on community policing and National Night Out.
August 1, 1994 - Ann Wynia, the DFL endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate seat, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in her campaign. Wynia also answers listener questions.
July 29, 1994 - State Representative Allen Quist, the I-R endorsed candidate for governor of Minnesota, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in his campaign. Quist also answers listener questions.
July 28, 1994 - State Senator John Marty, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor of Minnesota, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about various topics of focus in his campaign. Marty also answers listener questions.
July 20, 1994 - Annabell Cabana, mother of Space Shuttle Commander Robert Cabana, shares memories of her son’s youth growing up in Minneapolis and talks of her feelings of him in space.