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.
December 9, 1992 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Ron Handberg, formerly of WCCO, about news portrayal in Somalia and of U.S. troops arriving in region.
December 4, 1992 - An interview about war situation in Somalia and future of U.S. troops in the area.
December 4, 1992 - Former Governer Al Quie reminisces about Ancher Nelsen, former Minnesota lieutenant governor and an eight-term U.S. congressman.
December 2, 1992 - On this Midday program, a discussion about the challenges facing the two major political parties in Minnesota. MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with two chairs from Minnesota political parties.
November 24, 1992 - A Midday discussion about the current circumstances of Northwest Airlines and the future of the financially-troubled airline. Guests include U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar and industry analyst Mike Hamilton.
November 19, 1992 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Frank Graves about his view on state of Independence-Republican Party in Minnesota.
November 19, 1992 - On this Midday program, host Gary Eichten talks with police officers Pat McGowan and John Rouncer about what it's like to be a policeman. The two guests also take calls from listeners.
November 17, 1992 - Kerry Spicer vice-chair of Minnesota Independence Party, discusses future of organization and candidates. Spicer is in D.C. for meetings on a national party.
November 11, 1992 - In honor of Veterans' Day, Midday host Gary Eichten invites veterans to call-in with their reflections on their military service in wartime and in peacetime. Veterans also share what the day means to them.
November 10, 1992 - As part of a Mainstreet Radio project, Midday broadcasts from Das Wurst Haus in Lanesboro, Minnesota to focus on the changing power in the state. For the first time, a majority of seats at the State Capitol come from metropolitan area.