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 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.
June 25, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews local sports commentator Jay Weiner about impact of MLB Baseball strike on the Minnesota Twins and their players.
June 19, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten and MPR reporter Dick Daly discuss the impact of letter written by St. Cloud student Donna Gallus to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart. The letter asked why Justice Stewart was still on the court after so many years. Connected or not, Justice Stewart retired shortly after.
June 11, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with local sports reporter Jay Weiner about potential Major League Baseball strike and its effect on Minnesota Twins.
May 22, 1981 - MPR reporter Rich Dietman details discussions on Veterans Affairs and University of Minnesota sharing hospital facilities and the unlikelihood of merger.
May 18, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on continued debate at the Capitol over a tax plan and the growing chances for a special session. Segment includes speech excerpts and interview.
May 15, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter provides a brief tax committee update from the Capitol.
May 13, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with MPR reporter Rich Dietman about University of Minnesota hospital proposal to build largest hospital construction project in state.
April 16, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter and Gary Eichten take a look at Minnesota Governor Al Quie’s budget and tax proposal. An incorrect state forecast has left the administration looking for a tax increase.