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.
February 10, 1992 - With the passing of author Alex Haley, All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Jim Toscano about his recollections of the author developing and researching for his acclaimed book “Roots” during his visits in Minnesota.
February 7, 1992 - Nancy Mudge Cato, of Elk River, reflects on her professional baseball playing years. Mudge was an infielder for Kalamazoo Lassies and played for numerous All-American Girls Professional Baseball League teams.
February 3, 1992 - An interview on the development of a soup kitchen in Fergus Falls to assist the homeless and those struggling after job losses in area. A definition on what exactly the term “soup kitchen” means is provided.
January 31, 1992 - Al Quie, former Minnesota governor, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about dropping approval ratings for Governor Arne Carlson, as his administration addresses a struggling economy and taxes.
January 30, 1992 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker provides his thoughts on the status of Twins team for the 1992 MLB season. Sinker breaks down players and positions after a World Series championship win in 1991.
January 29, 1992 - Minnesota U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the national health insurance debate.
January 23, 1992 - Commentary on how a peace conversion to a new Minnesota economy will affect the state.
January 20, 1992 - Karal Ann Marling, professor of Art History and of American Studies at the University of Minnesota, chats with MPR’s Gary Eichten about St. Paul’s marketing coup with Winter Carnival taking place during run-up to Super Bowl being hosted in Minneapolis.
January 17, 1992 - MPR’s Gary Eichten gets the scoop from Marilyn Nelson on the various pre-Super Bowl festivities. It is a true Minnesota winter affair. Activities include a “warm-up” aerobic workout outside the Metrodome that includes motions of shoveling snow, throwing snowballs, and pushing cars.
January 16, 1992 - Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser shares details on his talks with President George Bush on commission to focus on families in U.S. cities, and how to help foster healthy environment and support for them.