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 14, 1992 - An All Things Considered interview about the complex nature of freeways in the Twin Cities. Interviewee states the benefits of faster transportation avenues to suburbs is countered with risk to the vitality of local neighborhoods within Minneapolis and St. Paul.
May 13, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews St. Paul Mayor Jim Scheibel about urban federal program development. Scheibel states that an urban policy to assist business and housing is necessary.
May 7, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews University of Minnesota-Duluth official regarding phone call threats against UMD staff members both on and off campus.
May 6, 1992 - Minnesota U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone talks to MPR’s Gary Eichten about congressional plans for urban revitalizations.
May 4, 1992 - Former Vice-President Walter Mondale shares his views on President Bush comments about the situation in Los Angeles following the verdict in the trial of four policemen. Mondale also discusses what he sees as failed social and economic U.S. policies affecting the country.
May 4, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Thomas Heffelfinger, U.S. attorney for Minnesota, about U.S. Justice Department probe into Los Angeles Police Department. Civil rights complaints locally are also discussed.
April 30, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Larry Buboltz, mayor of Detroit Lakes, about the closing announcement of Swift turkey plant in the city. Buboltz details the challenges ahead…not only for the plant workers, but the entire community.
April 28, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews a Renville County board member about conflict in area among residents over the possibility of an industrial pig farm. Interviewee sees that rural Minnesota is in the midst of change.
April 24, 1992 - For Arbor Day, All Things Considered has discussion with a tree expert about Minnesota trees. Topics include tree types, on-going care, benefits, costs, and differences within cities in how urban forests are managed.
April 15, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Eric Smith, a member of the Internal Revenue Service, about reasons and process behind IRS auditing taxpayers.