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.
April 9, 1982 - Barbara Beerhalter, of the Department of Economic Security, comments on Minnesota Supreme Court ruling on permit benefits.
January 20, 1982 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Les Coleman of the National Weather Service about record-breaking snowfall in the Twin Cities. Following interview, Eichten checks in with MPR’s Nancy Fushan on conditions and problems caused by storm.
December 31, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Tom Mason, Rudy Boschwitz’s press secretary about the senator’s comments to Governor Quie about running for re-election.
December 31, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Paul Overgaard, Al Quie’s campaign manager about comments from U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz that Governor Quie step aside.
December 21, 1981 - MPR’s Pat Kessler reports on Minnesota House & Senate passage of budget compromise bill that raises taxes and cuts state budget. Governor Al Quie has stated he will veto controversial measure.
December 21, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with MPR reporter Pat Kessler, who details the fight between Governor Al Quie and the Minnesota Legislature over a state budget. Tax provisions are at center of debate.
December 21, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten presents a report from MPR’s Pat Kessler, who details the fight between Governor Al Quie and the Minnesota Legislature over a state budget. Segment includes debate excerpts from the floor of Capitol.
October 29, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews Tom Scallen, president of the Minnesota Kicks. The local professional soccer team is in dire financial straits as a new owner is sought.
September 24, 1981 - MPR’s Dick Daly reports on seminar looking at possible use of the vast peat moss found on Minnesota lands as a energy source. Daly interviews local political figures about the logistics.
July 17, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on Governor Al Quie’s announcement of administration reorganization, with three “chief of staff” roles being created and merging of governor and lieutenant governor staff positions.