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.
November 26, 1991 - A commentary that the Twin Cities have become more of an “indoor” city. Reasons behind the thought include the skyway system infrastructure and “snowbird” Minnesotans escaping to the south in the winter months.
November 18, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen interviews Ann DeGroot, executive director of Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council, about the public campaign efforts to have state legislature expand the Minnesota Human Rights Act to include gay and lesbians. DeGroot says educating is a key in developing support and building allies in the larger Minnesota community.
November 14, 1991 - An interview with Joan Ruth Growe, who ran for U.S. Senate seat in 1984, on how women running have more hurdles than there fellow male candidates.
November 6, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Choua Lee after she wins seat on Saint Paul School Board. Lee discusses her desire to focus on bilingual studies, ESL programs, and parental involvement.
November 6, 1991 - Karen Clark, Minnesota House representative from District 60A, discusses legislative efforts at State Capitol to secure gay rights statewide. Clark also comments on local efforts; notably the gay and lesbian rights ordinance repeal in St. Paul.
November 6, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews naturalist about how animals are adapting to to massive snowstorm. The different experiences of small birds, squirrels, pheasants, and deer are detailed. Not surprisingly, hibernators are the big winners.
November 4, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) official about the delays on roads during morning rush hour, which lasted an incredibly long 6-10:30 AM. If anything should have been done differently regarding bus service during snowstorm is also discussed.
November 1, 1991 - Paul Wellstone comments on success of thwarting an energy policy in Congress that would have allowed drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge.
November 1, 1991 - MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on deteriorating road conditions from massive snowfall in Twin Cities, with officials asking people not to drive, and MTC planning on stopping bus service at 8PM due to bad road conditions. In one instance, 15 buses were stuck along Lake Calhoun routes.
November 1, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Catherine Winter about bad driving conditions in the Twin Cities due to blowing snow. Segment includes interview with MTC spokesman about closing down bus system at 8PM.