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 10, 1992 - On this Midday program, a broadcast of speech by Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, titled "The Renewed Threat of Fanaticism." The speech was given at the 1992 Peace Prize Forum held at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
April 6, 1992 - Local sports commentator Howard Sinker breaks down the Minnesota Twins win against the Milwaukee Brewers in MLB season opener. Sinker discusses status of various players.
April 3, 1992 - Roger Sween, a library cooperation specialist at State Library Services, Minnesota Department of Education, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the variety of choices involved in declaring a ‘State Book.’
April 1, 1992 - Midday airs Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Buchanan’s address was on the topic of politics, policy, and the campaign. Following speech, Buchanan answered audience questions.
March 31, 1992 - Former Minnesota Governor Elmer L. Andersen shares his political thoughts on Harold LeVander, another former governor. LeVander died on March 30th, 1992.
March 30, 1992 - A DFLer details the trends coming out of the ongoing presidential primary races and the focus of party members to decide on a strong candidate to go up against President Bush.
March 27, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Eugene McCarthy about the 1992 Democratic presidential campaigns of Jerry Brown and Bill Clinton. McCarthy also speaks about Independent candidate Ross Perot.
March 27, 1992 - On this segment of interview with Eugene McCarthy, he discusses the deficit, recession, and world politics.
March 24, 1992 - An interview about State Capitol tax proposal and spending as the economy works through recession concerns.
March 19, 1992 - Larry Buboltz, mayor of Detroit Lakes, shares the status of Swift turkey plant in the city. There are negotiations on selling the plant in an attempt to avoid closing it down.