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.
June 3, 1993 - Don Fraser, mayor of Minneapolis, details his efforts to get businesses to hire teenagers as part of a summer jobs program.
June 2, 1993 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone visits the MPR studios to talk health care and answer listener questions. Wellstone advocates for a single-payer healthcare system as a universal healthcare model.
May 24, 1993 - National Public Radio's Susan Stamberg talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about her work at NPR and her new book entitled Talk: NPR's Susan Stamberg Considers All Things. Stamberg also answers listener questions.
May 21, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor, about his political reflections and local politics. Topics include his run for mayor, convention outcomes, and endorsements.
May 20, 1993 - U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo shares his thoughts on House Budget Committee efforts in pushing through economic package at the U.S. Capitol.
May 12, 1993 - Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, reacts to K-12 funding bill.
May 11, 1993 - On this Midday program, a conversation with Dr. Kenneth Zapp, expert on the former Yugoslavia and professor of economics at Metropolitan State University. Zapp shares insights on the Bosnia conflict.
May 6, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Jim Dutcher, former University of Minnesota basketball coach, about National Basketball Association star Kevin McHale. The star NBA player is retiring after 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
May 5, 1993 - John Marty, state senator representing the 54th District, shares his view that the campaign finance reform bill is too weak. Independent expenditures are discussed.
May 4, 1993 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker comments on the very bad month at start of the Minnesota Twins 1993 MLB season.