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.
August 29, 1991 - A U.S. Forest Service official details the strategy of managing fires in Voyageurs National Park. The plan calls for addressing all human-made fires. Natural fires (ex. - lightning-started fires) are left to burn depending on the parameters.
August 24, 1991 - On this special State Fair Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Karal Ann Marling and Jeff Johnson about Minnesota State Fair history and attractions. The two also answer fair audience and listener questions.
August 15, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Arthur Caplan, University of Minnesota professor in the Departments of Philosophy and Surgery, about the ethics of suicide as it is seen in western culture.
August 12, 1991 - A psychologist tells MPR’s Gary Eichten that he thinks the Minnesota Twins psyche is in good shape going into the final part of 1991 MLB season.
August 12, 1991 - Cathy Meredig, creator of Happy To Be Me dolls, talks about her new children’s toy. Meredid says the purpose behind doll is to present a more realistic body types to young girls and counter the unrealistic “Barbie” doll body shape that children have come to see as normal.
August 8, 1991 - Gil Gutknecht, of Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, shares his concerns over check off proposal by Checchi regarding Northwest Airlines.
August 7, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with the Lee Henry, mayor of Stockton, Minnesota, about getting relief after town was hit by flood waters. The mayor details how he “pushed” to get governmental assistance.
August 6, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews individual on seeking better representation of tribal governments for tribal members.
August 5, 1991 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about allegations that officials of U.S. government and/or political party conspired to keep hostages under Iranian control during 1980 presidential election. Mondale comments on potential of an investigation.
August 2, 1991 - John Blackshaw, U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone’s 1990 campaign manager and chief of staff, discusses stepping down from the position to take on a role elsewhere.