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 2, 1998 - Bob Walker, the President of Handgun Control, Inc and the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, discusses gun laws debate both nationally and in Minnesota. Topics include licensing, gun use by children, and gun legislation. Walker also answers listener questions.
July 1, 1998 - Ken Peterson, chair of the Management Department at Metropolitan State University, discusses Metropolitan State University's annual Civic Confidence poll. Peterson was co-director of the poll and shares the results. He also answers listener questions.
June 30, 1998 - Ray Suarez, Host of NPR’s “Talk of the Nation”, speaking at a Minnesota Journalism Center forum on the craft of interviewing.
June 29, 1998 - Suzanna Sherry, professor at the University of Minnesota law school, talks about Supreme Court rulings that have come down at the end of the term. Rulings included Indian rights and State rights over federal courts. Justice Blackman’s legacy is also discussed. Sherry also answers listener questions. Program contains pledge drive segments.
June 26, 1998 - MPR sports analyst Howard Sinker continues discussion of baseball with Gary Eichten. They talk with Herb Carneal, Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins. Sinker also answers listener questions. Program contains pledge drive segments.
June 26, 1998 - MPR sports analyst Howard Sinker talks about the late homerun champion Roger Maris, and the new challenger to his record, who is coming to town for Twins/Cardinals game, Mark McGuire. Also interviewed is Johnnie Blanchard, New York Yankees great, and Minneapolis native. Sinker also answers listener questions. Program contains pledge drive segments.
June 25, 1998 - Speeches from the events marking the 50th anniversary of Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey's civil rights speech to the Democratic National Convention. Speakers are NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, and writer Richard Rodriguez. You'll also hear Humphrey's speech to the convention.
June 24, 1998 - Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt's recent Twin Cities address...given as part of the "Pen Pals" Author Lecture Series sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County. Frank McCourt is the author of the best seller Angela's Ashes.
June 23, 1998 - William Ivey, the new chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts, speaking to the American Symphony Orchestra League's National Conference in St. Paul. Ivey’s address was on government funding of NEA, and the organization’s future. Program continues MPR's Garrison Keillor speaking to the American Symphony Orchestra League's National Conference in St. Paul. Keillor provides humorous anecdotes on the future of the symphony orchestra.
June 23, 1998 - Richard Bohr, Professor of Asian History at both the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, former President of the Midwest China Center, and former Executive Director of the Minnesota World Trade Office, shares his observations from a trip to China to observe the preparations for President Clinton trip. Topics include human rights issues, Taiwan, and Asian economic crisis. Bohr also answers listener questions. Program begins with a report on current Chinese/U.S. relations.