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 30, 1993 - MPR’s Karen Boothe gives a brief summary report on a hearing challenging the city of Minneapolis in offering health benefits to same-sex partners of city employees.
December 29, 1993 - Outgoing mayors Don Fraser (of Minneapolis) and Jim Scheibel (of St. Paul) visit Midday program to answer listener questions about politics and the future of the Twin Cities.
December 28, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Bill Wilson, out-going St. Paul council president and civil rights activist, about his thoughts on the city of St. Paul…what’s better, what’s not, and what’s changing. Topics of discussion include downtown business, race relations, and politics.
December 24, 1993 - On this Christmas Eve Midday, listeners share Christmas stories and describe what the holiday means to them. Program also contains a reading and closes with holiday music.
December 23, 1993 - Dan Salomone, executive director of Minnesota Taxpayers Association, shares his view on proposed Minnesota tax on clothing.
December 22, 1993 - Dr. Arthur Caplan shares his perspective on ethical issues regarding news of China looking at a eugenics policy.
December 21, 1993 - Jim Scheibel, St. Paul mayor and chair of homeless task force, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about homeless survey conducted by U.S. Conference of Mayors. The results show numbers of homeless families have increased.
December 21, 1993 - Steven Schier, professor of political science at Carleton College, is interviewed about President Clinton’s popularity and the controversy over Defense Secretary nominee Bobby Inman not paying taxes for part-time housekeeper.
December 17, 1993 - As part of a week-long series called Keeping the Peace, Midday guests Robert Trojanowicz, professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and the director of the National Center for Community Policing; and Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux, talk about the role of police in preventing and solving crimes, apprehending criminals, and "keeping the peace."
December 16, 1993 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator, discusses his fact-finding trip to the former Yugoslavia. Wellstone also answers listeners.