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 12, 1993 - George Latimer, former mayor of St. Paul, comments on mayoral involvement in abortion topic, including current Mayor James Scheibel.
October 8, 1993 - Midday presents a special edition of Talk of Minnesota on United States policy in Somalia. Program includes various call-in commentary from listeners, including U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone.
October 7, 1993 - On this Midday, a call-in program about baseball's golden age. Guests include author Roger Kahn, Minnesota State Representative Phyllis Kahn, and local U of M baseball star Paul Geil.
October 6, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews former Minnesota Gophers basketball star Clyde Turner about announcement of Michael Jordan’s retirement. Turner comments on Jordan’s career, and his positive impact on children. He also shares his concerns on professional athletes becoming salesmen.
October 5, 1993 - U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger comments on the status of conflict in Somalia and U.S. troops on the ground in a peace-keeping effort.
September 30, 1993 - Jonelle Dyrstad, Minnesota's first female lieutenant governor, comments on the current atmosphere for women in politics.
September 29, 1993 - Concluding an MPR month-long examination of sexual violence against women, a special live broadcast from MPR's Studio M. Participants include Jim Ramstad, U.S. congressman representing the 3rd District ; Jane Ranum, State senator and Hennepin County prosecutor; Stephanie Goode, agent of Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; and Emilie Buchwald, editor of the Milkweed Editions book "Transforming a Rape Culture."
September 22, 1993 - Minnesota Heath Commissioner Mary Jo O'Brien shares recommendations on what to look for in President Clinton speech on federal health care.
September 20, 1993 - As part of an MPR month-long examination of sexual violence against women, this Midday program presents MPR's William Wilcoxen report on kid's views of sex and their relationships with the opposite sex.
September 17, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Vin Weber about the lay of the land for Independent Republican Convention, party candidates, and political environment.