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 17, 1992 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker looks at the Detroit Tigers trading pitcher John Smiley to the Minnesota Twins.
March 10, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Paul Ogren, House representative for District 14A, about the health care bill running through the State Capitol. The bill would open up insurance options to the working poor through state dollars and caps on the health industry charges.
March 9, 1992 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy presents a report on Healthright, a state health insurance plan being strategized at the State Capitol. The plan would assist the uninsured working poor.
March 9, 1992 - Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser comments on news that Tom Harkin has quit presidential race. Fraser expresses his view that the 1992 Democratic candidates all sound alike and that voters are less engaged.
March 6, 1992 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Dr. Betty Jerome about teen moms. Dr. Jerome is director of the Teenage Medical Center at Minneapolis Children's Hospital.
March 2, 1992 - An interview with an official from The Minneapolis Institute of Arts on efforts to make MIA the most "visitor effective" museum in the country.
February 21, 1992 - Ted Riverso, St. Thomas women's basketball coach, talks about the 1992 team that could set record with game-winning streak during 1991-1992 period.
February 11, 1992 - Former Governor Elmer L. Andersen comments State of the State speeches, both their importance and limitations. Andersen recalls some of his favorites over the years.
February 11, 1992 - A discussion on the cost benefits of a compact fluorescent bulbs and concerns of Northern States Power (NSP) program to sell bulbs.
February 10, 1992 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale breakdowns Harkin expectations in Iowa caucus and the presidential primary process in general.