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.
July 20, 1994 - On this Midday program, a WFME-FM documentary, “One Small Step: 25 Years Since Apollo,” which looks back at U.S. space exploration. WFME’s Pat Duggins narrates, presenting various interviews and sound recordings.
July 8, 1994 - U.S. Representative Rod Grams visits the Midday studios to answer listener questions. Grams is the 1994 Independent-Republic party's endorsed U.S. Senate candidate.
July 6, 1994 - On the 140th anniversary of Republican Party, Midday’s Gary Eichten chats with professor George H. Miller about the formation of the party in Ripon, Wisconsin.
July 1, 1994 - A Midday interview with Jim Ulland, Minnesota state commerce commissioner, shares his thoughts on Walter Mondale being U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Ulland sees Secretary of State as a much better role for Mondale.
June 27, 1994 - U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, member of the Senate Finance Committee, discusses the work at the U.S. Capitol to put together a health care reform bill.
June 22, 1994 - Midday begins a news series that invites Minnesota political candidates to the MPR studios for a closer hour-long look at individual campaigns. Series starts with guest Tony Bouza, who is running for the Governor’s office. Bouza answers listener questions and discusses his platform and views.
June 21, 1994 - MPR’s John Biewen and Kate Cavett, both producers of the documentary O Freedom Over Me, discuss excerpts, interviews, and outtakes that did not make it into final production. The documentary focused on the 30-year anniversary of Freedom Summer.
June 17, 1994 - Midday broadcasts from the I-R convention, with host Gary Eichten interviewing Allen Quist, the former Minnesota state representative and Minnesota Independent Republican Party candidate for Governor. Quist talks about his campaign platform and answers listener questions.
June 16, 1994 - Bob Weinholzer, former Minnesota Republican Party chairman, discusses the process of how political parties screen candidates and finding any “skeletons in the closet.”
June 15, 1994 - Local sports commentator talks about Twin’s good stretch, the looming MLB strike, and minor leagues interest.