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.
July 26, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with a women’s rights activist about Brother Peace program, who details St. Cloud rally to fight against various forms of abuse by men on women and children. Conversation focuses on need for men to be active in standing up against men who harass, control, and foster inequality.
July 25, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten calls “Swine Master” Dave at the Hennepin County Fair to ask about racing pigs. Dave details the training schedule and says the key is desire to run.
July 17, 1991 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone shares his view on an abortion gag order debate in U.S. Congress.
July 16, 1991 - Tom Kelly, Minnesota Twins manager, gives updates on the status of Twins pitching staff.
July 5, 1991 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone comments on state of United Nations Security Council discussions since cease-fire. Wellstone shares concerns of Iraq nuclear status and humanitarian crisis after Persian Gulf War.
July 4, 1991 - John Marty, Minnesota state senator representing District 40, expresses his anger over investigation results of Frank Gallegos, commissioner of Human Rights in Minnesota. Misuse of alcohol and questionable jokes by Gallegos at an event have come under question.
July 4, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten speaks with member of Twin Cities arts community on expression, a risqué show, and support of Walker Art Center curator John Killacky.
July 3, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten gets a Native American perspective of Mount Rushmore National Memorial on the 50th anniversary of stone sculpture.
July 3, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Euan Jones, a resident of Waterville, Minnesota, about the vandalism and destruction of a beloved 250-year-old oak tree, known as the “Yum Yum Tree.”
July 1, 1991 - Pat Conley, member of Association of Minnesota Counties, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about her concerns over sales tax push over other sources of tax funding.