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.
March 30, 1998 - Midday presents a special report on the tornadoes that destroyed large parts of St. Peter and Comfrey. MPR’s reporters detail the massive destruction in the Minnesota towns and provide updates on aftermath. Program also includes various interviews and accounts from listeners.
March 23, 1998 - MPR movie maven Stephanie Curtis previews the 70th Academy Awards. Curtis makes predictions on nominations, including Titanic, L.A. Confidential, and Good Will Hunting, amongst others. Curtis also answers listener questions.
March 20, 1998 - Ward Connerly, University of California regent, speaks at an event sponsored by the Center of the American Experiment and the Minnesota Association of Scholars. Connerly’s speech is entitled “Racial Preferences: Inequities in the Name of Equality,” which focuses on affirmative action in college admissions.
March 20, 1998 - "Images of Aging” Princeton survey shows working people think retirement will give them a chance for a fresh start, but most retirees say their lives are about the same or worse. This Midday program examines expectations upon retiring with guest LaRhae Knatterud, of the MN Dept of Human Service's Aging Initiative called "Project 2030," who discusses survey results and answers listener questions.
March 19, 1998 - Dr. Donald Hensrud, professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at Mayo Medical School and Mayo Clinic, discusses vitamins and how they relate to cancer and nutrition. Hensrud also answer listener questions.
March 18, 1998 - MPR’s Chris Farrell and economist Arthur Rolnick discuss the potential concerns of deflation and answer listener questions.
March 18, 1998 - This MPR special report, titled The World Turned Upside Down: An End to Inflation, examines the potential end of a long period of inflation and the growing focus and concerns of possible deflation. Program includes various interviews and commentary and is hosted by Chris Farrell, MPR's senior economics and business editor.
March 18, 1998 - Tom Peters, best-selling author and management guru, discusses his latest book The Circle of Innovation: You Can't Shrink Your Way to Greatness. Peters talks of risks of technology and realities of business economy. He also answers listener questions.
March 17, 1998 - Steven Schier, political science professor at Carleton College, discusses poll taken in Minnesota which showed that not many people know who their U.S. Senators are. Does this matter? Why does it happen? Schier also answers listener questions.
March 16, 1998 - Bernie Omann, Governor Carlson's chief of staff, visits the MPR studios to talk about the Governor's priorities for the final weeks of the legislative session. Topics include hockey arena, light-rail transit, taxes, and university funding. Omann also answers listener questions.