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.
May 4, 1993 - Arlene DeCandia, founder and CEO of the Riverwood Companies, discusses starting a business. Topics include reasons and challenges of running your own business. DeCandia also answers listener questions.
May 3, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Ron Libertus, advocate and expert in American Indian art & culture, shares his insights on how Mille Lacs spearfishing during spawning season is an important part of native tradition. Libertus details the ties to cyclical nature, tribute, and spirituality.
May 3, 1993 - A Midday broadcast of Rigoberta Menchu, 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner, speaking at the Carlson Lecture Series at held Northrop Auditorium. Menchu's address was on the topic "Peace and Human Rights: The International Year of Indigenous People."
April 29, 1993 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports that the Minnesota House is taking up health care reform bill. Drafted legislation is designed to reduce health care spending in the state by creating large Integrated Service Networks (ISN).
April 29, 1993 - A Midday interview with Roger Moe, state senator of the 2nd District. Moe comments on Governor Carlson’s tax plan and the varied approaches on taxes at the State Capitol.
April 26, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with famous musician Doc Severinsen, who has been named the first principal pops conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra. Severinsen details what symphony orchestra program will look like as a “pops” concert.
April 21, 1993 - A Midday interview with John Marty, state senator from District 54, about money, term limits, and campaign finances in state politics. Marty discusses the various bills at the Capitol.
April 20, 1993 - As Midday guest, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson shares his viewpoints on state budget, legislative moves at the State Capitol, and national economy forecast. Governor Carlson also answers listener questions.
April 19, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Jack Tunheim, Minnesota’s chief deputy attorney general, about two gun control bills being debated at the State Capitol. The two provisions include allowing cities in metro area to have stricter gun ownership rules and semi-automatic purchasers having to go through a background check.
April 15, 1993 - On this Midday program, studio guests are Ann Rest, chair of the Minnesota House Tax Committee Ann Rest; and Ron Abrams, House assistant minority leader. The two discuss income taxes, property taxes and sales taxes.