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.
April 7, 1993 - Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Sandra Gardebring visits the MPR studios to talk about juvenile crime. Justice Gardebring chairs the Minnesota Supreme Court's Advisory Task Force on the juvenile justice system.
April 6, 1993 - Howard Sinker, local sports commentator, gives his take on Minnesota Twins chances as the 1993 MLB Opening Day commences.
March 31, 1993 - Tom Sherman, a certified public accountant, is interviewed about tax loopholes and tax shelters.
March 29, 1993 - Richard Moe, author of The Last Full Measure: The Life and Death of the First Minnesota Volunteers, talks with Midday’s Gary Eichten about his book and the Civil War participants. Moe also answers listener questions.
March 23, 1993 - As part of a week long focus on education in Minnesota, Midday hosts a roundtable discussion on expectations for public schools, featuring a parent, a teacher, a major employer, a school board member, and an education expert.
March 22, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Lois Quam about plan being developed regarding national health care situation. Quam serves on the Clinton administration's health reform task force.
March 22, 1993 - A collection of news reports and interviews on this hour of Midday.
March 22, 1993 - Midday presents an MPR documentary entitled School Days, followed by a discussion on education with Linda Powell, superintendent of the Robbinsdale School District; Vernae Hasbargen, president of the Rural Education Association; and Dale Lange, associate dean of the University of Minnesota College of Education.
March 18, 1993 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy describes the scene as Minnesota Senate debates and votes to extend the Minnesota Human Rights Bill to include protections on one’s sexual orientation. Report includes clips of Senate floor speeches.
March 17, 1993 - Dan Salomone, executive director of Minnesota Taxpayers Association, responds to efforts at State Capitol to raise state taxes. Salomone argues that Minnesota is already a high tax state, and more taxes on higher incomes will hurt local economy.