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.
March 15, 1993 - Minnesota State Senator Duane Benson comments on debate at State Capitol over Minnesota health coverage reforms.
March 12, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Dorothy McIntyre and Skip Peltier, both officials of the School Highschool League; and Louis Boone, coach and teacher at Ramsey Junior High, on the role of athletics in high school. Topics include financing, intermural sports, girls’ sports, amateur athletics, and eligibility.
March 11, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Pat Forciea, North Stars vice president, about the team’s imminent move from Minnesota to Dallas, Texas.
March 11, 1993 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale shares his thoughts on the early days of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s administration.
March 10, 1993 - Robert Guzy, president of Minnesota Bar Association, comments on Paul Wellstone’s committee judge selections. Both selections are African American.
March 10, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews a St. Thomas theology professor on the distinction between cults and a legitimate religion. Its part comparison, part study, and part judgment.
March 9, 1993 - On this Midday program, DFL Senator Allan Spear, who is the author of a gay and lesbian human rights bill; and Independent-Republican Senator Tom Neuville, who opposes it, talk and take questions about topic.
March 4, 1993 - Patricia Aburdene, author and public policy fellow at Radcliffe College, speaks to the Forum on Women in Leadership held at the College of St. Catherine.
February 22, 1993 - Dr. Beverly Coleman-Miller, president of a public health consulting firm called BCM Group, speaks at the Itasca Seminar, which was sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation. Coleman-Miller’s speech was on the topic and “epidemic” of violence in the United States. Topics include street crime, education, and guns.
February 19, 1993 - Howard Sinker, a local sports commenter, provides insight on the Twins pitching staff going into 1993 spring training.