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 15, 1998 - On this Midday, two former governors and two former chiefs of staff talk to Gary Eichten about the role of governor. Topics include the skills required, administration staff, understanding of state budget, and developing agenda. The guests also answer listener questions.
September 14, 1998 - Continuation of Skip Humphrey, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, Doug Johnson and Mark Dayton, the five candidates for the DFL nomination, participating in the MPR Gubernatorial Primary Debate. Candidates answer questions from the audience, with topic of crime. MPR’s Gary Eichten acts as host and moderator.
September 14, 1998 - Skip Humphrey, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, Doug Johnson and Mark Dayton, the five candidates for the DFL nomination, participate in the MPR Gubernatorial Primary Debate. Candidates also answer questions from the audience. MPR’s Gary Eichten acts as host and moderator.
September 11, 1998 - Congressional reaction and political analysis of the Ken Starr report to Congress on President Bill Clinton. Steven Schier, Carleton College political scientist, discusses release of report. Program also presents Clinton speech from the White House, and statements from members of Minnesota's congressional delegation.
September 11, 1998 - Jeff Hamiel, Executive Director of Metropolitan Airports Commission, and John Austin, Northwest Airlines spokesman, discuss if airline competition would benefit Twin Cities and state. Hamiel and Austin also answer listener questions.
September 10, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens' Forum “job interview” from the Minnesota State Fair, with two candidates for Governor…Jesse Ventura of the Reform Party; and Norm Coleman of the Republican Party.
September 9, 1998 - The Democratic-Farmer-Labor gubernatorial candidates Ted Mondale, Skip Humphrey, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, and Doug Johnson debate on the Minnesota News Network (MNN).
September 8, 1998 - Skip Humphrey, Minnesota attorney general and Democratic-Farmer-Labor gubernatorial candidate, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the issues in the campaign. Topics include latest polls, taxes, education, stadium debate, and conceal and carry laws. Humphrey also answers listener questions.
September 7, 1998 - On this special Midday program at the Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Gary Eichten chats with Howard Sinker, sports analyst and state news editor for Star Tribune. Sinker discusses homerun derby, performance enhancing drugs, and new Vikings season.
September 7, 1998 - Deb Brown, University of Minnesota Extension Horticulturist, visits MPR’s Gary Eichten at the Minnesota State Fair. Brown discusses lawns, gardens and answers questions from the state fairgrounds audience.