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 8, 1977 - Midday presents an MPR Special report on the Minnesota Supreme Court's unanimous decision that Reserve Mining Company be allowed to use the "Milepost 7" site for its taconite tailings on-land disposal. Program includes various reports, interviews and commentary from both sides of the court fight.
November 10, 1976 - A special production by the Minnesota Public Radio news unit on the political history of Rudy Perpich, who takes over as Governor for Wendell Anderson who stepped down to be a Senator.
November 5, 1976 - On the anniversary of the Sioux Uprising of 1862, this program presents the historical events that culminated in the hangings of 38 Indians after the uprising. Program includes members of All Things Considered reading from the writings done at the time of uprising.
August 11, 1976 - MPR reporter John Merli looks at the growing popularity of soccer in the state and local professional team, the Minnesota Kicks.
July 4, 1976 - This special MPR program takes a look at various communities throughout Minnesota and shows how they celebrate the 4th of July, especially during the bicentennial year. Program includes interviews, performances, and commentary.
June 25, 1976 - In this MPR Special Coverage report, delegate selection process is detailed, an interview with state Republican chair Chuck Slocum, and summary of Ronald Reagan and Betty Ford speeches.
March 24, 1976 - MPR’s Debbie Gage reports on civil liberties themed speech by Aryeh Neier, author and executive director of American Civil Liberties Union. Neier speaks on government spying.
March 4, 1976 - Pledge drive with Garrison Keillor, Bill Kling, and Gary Eichten. Kling asks Dave Peters, executive editor of Minnesota Monthly to talk about the April issue. Bemidji writer Marilyn Heltzer also talks.
September 22, 1975 - Audio clip from Gary Eichten’s 1975 interview with Minneapolis Star columnist Jim Klobuchar. Klobuchar comments on being in the outdoors.
September 22, 1975 - Over the years, Minneapolis Star columnist Jim Klobuchar has written about virtually every aspect of life in Minnesota. MPR's Gary Eichten asks Klobuchar about some of his impressions of life in the state.