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.
October 2, 1979 - MPR's special live coverage of Northern States Power Company press conference, where officials answer questions about the nuclear accident at its Prairie Island reactor near Red Wing, Minnesota.
June 19, 1979 - Roy Aune, assistant director of Emergency Services for Minnesota, states that there is enough fallout capacity but it is not where the people are located. He also warns that the state lacks staff and money to complete civil defense preparations.
April 27, 1979 - Bill Owens, a flood operations officer, shares his concerns of local residents taking a “return to normalcy” attitude as the Red River remains high in Fargo, North Dakota.
April 27, 1979 - Bill Owens, a flood operations officer, details efforts on dike support as the water crest passes along the Red River in Fargo, North Dakota.
April 2, 1979 - MPR’s live coverage of Minnesota House debate on bill and vote on S.F. 20, which would repeal the 2% sports stadium commission liquor tax on on-sale liquor in the seven-county metro area. Program includes conclusion of debate and subsequent House vote, with 71 ayes and 63 nays.
August 29, 1978 - MPR’s Gary Eichten looks at the statewide average price for 10 items in a grocery survey. The results show costs were impacted by where one lives.
August 22, 1978 - Fred Gates, campaign manager for Bob Short, comments on baseball manager Billy Martin’s interest in Minnesota. Martin has endorsed Bob Short in 1978 Minnesota U.S. Senate race.
August 22, 1978 - Jan Shapiro, Don Fraser’s campaign manager, comments on baseball manager Billy Martin’s endorsement of Bob Short in 1978 Minnesota U.S. Senate race.
July 6, 1978 - MPR’s Gary Eichten checks in with regional reporters on the historic flooding that hit the city of Rochester. After torrential rain, the Zumbro River overflowed and is causing extensive damage to area.
June 20, 1978 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten presents reports on the lack of job security in the teaching profession. Segment includes interviews with several Minnesota teachers.