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.
September 25, 1991 - An interview with Susan Broadhead about the Loft Literary Center and writing communities in the Twin Cities.
September 20, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Nora Hengebol, reigning potato peeling champion at Barnsville’s Potato Days Festival. Hengebol details her spud technique.
September 19, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Minnesota peace activist Marv Davidov about his birthday and starting Midwest Institute for Social Transformation (MIST), an alternative education project.
September 13, 1991 - Barb Sykora, Minnesota House representative for 43B District, reacts to a book about Jon Grunseth's 1990 campaign and the Independent Republican Party.
September 13, 1991 - Mike Paulsen, associate professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, shares his insights on state of the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of judge Clarence Thomas.
September 12, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Geraldine Ferraro, who in 1984 became the first female vice-presidential nominee representing a major American political party. Ferraro reflects on being a part of Walter Mondale’s 1984 presidential campaign and discusses the need for more women in prominent positions within government and business.
September 10, 1991 - Suzanna Sherry, faculty member of the University of Minnesota Law School, shares her insights on watching the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of judge Clarence Thomas.
September 9, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten speaks with a central Minnesotan farmer who recounts his experience of 9-inch rainfall and being humbled by the wrath of nature.
September 4, 1991 - Dr. Susan Erbaugh comments on her concerns over how modern media presents murder in the news and the negative stress it imparts on children. Erbaugh believes that media needs to be aware of news stories presentation and that parents should have a dialog with their children over the exposure.
August 31, 1991 - From MPR Minnesota State Fair booth, guest host Gary Eichten talks about the pennant race with Twins General Manager Andy McPhail. This is followed with commentary from Howard Sinker, Star Tribune reporter and editor, who answers listener questions about baseball