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 10, 1994 - Carol Bellamy, national director of the Peace Corps, discusses the history and mission of the Peace Corps. Bellamy also answers listener questions.
March 8, 1994 - Bob Dayton, a downtown Minneapolis civic booster, shares his thoughts on offer from Louisiana company to purchase Target Center and Minnesota Timberwolves, with eventual plan to replace Timberwolves with a professional hockey team.
March 7, 1994 - Judith Martin talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the growing prominence of graffiti in the Twin Cities. Martin sees a number of reasons behind it, including gang related and juvenile vandalism.
March 1, 1994 - Chris Georgacas and Rick Stafford, Minnesota’s major party chairs, discuss idea behind political caucuses and their support of them. The two also answer listener questions.
March 1, 1994 - Pollster Bill Morris is interviewed about polling data regarding voter party affiliation…or lack of one.
February 28, 1994 - On this Midday program, guests Jim Niland and Richard D'Amico answer listener questions about the Target Center and arena’s future with the possibility of Minnesota Timberwolves leaving.
February 22, 1994 - A discussion on the potential lowering of cable costs for customers with new FCC cable service rate regulations in place.
February 16, 1994 - Ann Rest, Minnesota House member representing District 46A, talks about tax reform possibilities in the 1994 legislative session.
February 16, 1994 - A Midday interview with Father Phillip Rask on the significance of Lent. Father Rask details the meanings and actions of the Christian religious observance.
February 15, 1994 - Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson's State of the State address delivered in Rochester. Topics of speech included fighting crime, family values, jobs, and taxes. MPR’s Mike Mulcahy and Carol Gunderson report prior to and after speech.