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.
January 13, 1999 - Larry Pogemiller, state senator and chair of the Senate K-12 education committee, discusses new report on how much school districts think it would cost to get 80 percent of their students to pass the basic skills tests for graduation. Pogemiller also answers listener questions.
January 12, 1999 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota's DFL U.S. senator, discusses his decision not to run for U.S. president and his view of outcome on Senate impeachment trial. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
January 11, 1999 - MPR's Mark Zdechlik interviews John Dasburg, Northwest Airline's CEO, who looks back on the company's labor problems in 1998 and looks ahead to some of the issues facing the airline in the future. After Dasburg interview, Jon Austin, NWA spokesman, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten on issues affecting NWA, and answers listener questions.
January 8, 1999 - Red McCombs, Minnesota Vikings owner, talks about Vikings highly successful season, the prospects for the Superbowl, and much more. McCombs also answered listener questions. After McCombs interview , MPR’s Michael Coo presents a brief report on the end of NBA labor dispute and lockout, and what the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing to mend relationship with fans. Program closes with Britt Robson, City Pages sports reporter, discussing the NBA settlement and creation of shortened season. Robson also answered listener questions.
January 6, 1999 - This January edition of Voices of Minnesota features MPR’s Dan Olson interviews with Dean Abrahamson, medical doctor and professor at University of Minnesota, and Eville Gorham, recently retired professor of ecology at University of Minnesota. Abrahamson discusses global warming, and its present and future impact on the Minnesota region. Gorham, who discovered the harmful influence of acid rain, discusses the past and current state of this pollution problem on the global environment.
January 6, 1999 - Steven Smith, political science professor at University of Minnesota, discusses tomorrow's beginning of the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. The topic of what options the Senate has is addressed. Smith also answers listener questions. Program also includes commentary from Ron Meshbesher, attorney at Meshbesher & Spence, and Suzanna Sherry, constitutional law professor at University of Minnesota.
January 5, 1999 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Governor Jesse Ventura, who discusses officially taking on his new role. Topics include local politics, social programs, taxes, regulations, and Governor’s residence. Ventura also answers listener questions.
January 1, 1999 - Howard Sinker, MPR sports analyst, and Gary Eichten discuss the year in sports with Joe Kapp, former Vikings quarterback. Topics include the Vikings' Superbowl chances, the Twins retrenchment and stadium flap, the NBA strike, Minnesota's Olympic gold medal winners, and more.
December 31, 1998 - (music starts fairly hot) Finally, to end the hour, we're going to remember some of the other folks who made news this year. ............ That remembrance of some of the people who made news in 1998 was prepared by Minnesota Public Radio's, Chris Roberts. The voices of some of the people who made news in 1998 was produced by Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts.
December 31, 1998 - The sweepstakes for “Biggest Minnesota News Story” of 1998’ is no contest. Jesse Ventura's upset victory in the race for Governor was such a shock, his success caught almost everybody by surprise…the media, the political parties, and especially his opponents. MPR's Martin Kaste looks back on Ventura's rise.