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.
July 10, 1998 - On this Midday program, nationally known political commentator Carl Rowan addresses the American Association of Retired Persons. Rowan speaks on his early days as a writer for the Minneapolis Tribune and reflects on the battle over affirmative action in America.
July 10, 1998 - Minnesota Senator Rod Grams discusses major issues before Congress, including farm policy, IRS overhaul, tobacco bill, social security and sanctions. Grams also answers listener questions.
July 9, 1998 - Red McCombs, the tentative new Minnesota Vikings owner, discusses future of the team. Topics include Metrodome lease issues, talk of moving team, and expectations. McCombs also answers listener questions.
July 8, 1998 - U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone will joins Midday from Washington to talk about his presidential bid, health care, jobs legislation. Other issues coming before Congress are also addressed. Wellstone answers listener questions.
July 7, 1998 - Kurt Johnson, chair of the Twin Cities Project on Media and the Public, discusses its new report on restoring trust in the media and improving the quality of local news reporting. Johnson also answers listener questions.
July 7, 1998 - State Senator Marty dropped out of the Gubernatorial race Monday. On the "opening day" to file for political office, Marty talks about the way elections are run, why people do and don't run for office, campaign financing, election ethics, and much more. He also answers listener questions.
July 6, 1998 - Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change, at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, talks about charter schools, summer school, the possible NEA/AFT teacher union merger, and other education issues in the news. Nathan also answers listener questions.
July 3, 1998 - As part of the country’s 222nd birthday celebration, this program focuses on listener commentary on America, freedom, and what it means. Midday host Gary Eichten talks with callers, many of which are new immigrants.
July 3, 1998 - MPR’s Stephanie Curtis talks with Gary Eichten about the summer movies. Asteroids, killers, and monsters make up a slew of summers releases. Commentary on “Armageddon”, “Truman Show”, “Out of Sight”, and “X-Files”. There is also a discussion on the top 100 films put out by AFI. Curtis also answers listeners questions.
July 2, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of the Minnesota Citizens Forum gubernatorial debate held within state office building at State Capitol. The six DFL candidates, Skip Humphrey III, Doug Johnson, Mark Dayton, Mike Freeman, Ted Mondale, John Marty, and Independent candidate, Jesse Ventura, attended. (Republican Norm Coleman did not accept invitation) Candidates spoke and answered questions from four groups of citizen panelists gathered throughout the state. Lori Sturdevant, of the Star Tribune, moderated debate.