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 6, 1993 - Dave Nimmer, former reporter for the Minneapolis Star and WCCO-TV and a journalism teacher at the University of St. Thomas, answers listener questions about print and broadcast media. The topic of negative public perceptions of media and the growing competition is the focus of program.
July 5, 1993 - At halfway point of 1993 MLB season, local sports commentator sees the Minnesota Twins season going nowhere…except last place.
July 2, 1993 - Chuck Ruhr, owner of a Minneapolis ad agency, reflects on the Aug. 13, 1973 Time magazine promoting the state. The issue included a cover shot ("The good life in Minnesota") and six-page spread to Minnesota ("A state that works").
June 25, 1993 - U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo comments on House Budget Committee efforts and possible result of completing a joint budget bill in D.C. legislation.
June 24, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on his potential vote choice on bill addressing federal budget. While he supports the tax piece, Wellstone shares his concern over what it does to Medicare.
June 22, 1993 - A Midday interview with St. Paul Mayor Jim Scheibel about National Urban Peace and Justice Summit to address gang violence in the community. Summit is being held at Mount Olivet Baptist, in St. Paul.
June 11, 1993 - Political commentary from Tom Horner on Independent Republicans chairman selection and Bob Meek on the fight for DFL endorsement amongst Minneapolis mayor candidates.
June 11, 1993 - With the renewed interest in dinosaurs upon the release of book/film “Jurassic Park,” Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with studio guest Robert Sloan, a professor of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Minnesota. Sloan has researched dinosaurs for many years and talks about the causes of their evolution & extinction.
June 8, 1993 - Dr. Carol Eagle, head of Child and Adolescent Psychology at Montefiore in New York, discusses self-esteem issues of adolescent girls. Topics include scientific study, parental impact, physical changes, and societal influences. Eagle also answers listener questions.
June 7, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy summarizes report released by Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey about a political scandal that occurred when it was discovered that state legislators and staff were using taxpayer-funded toll-free phone lines for personal use.