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.
November 17, 1997 - Bestselling author and historian Stephen Ambrose is in the Midday studios to talk about his role in the PBS series Lewis and Clark and his book about World War II titled Citizen Soldiers: The US Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany. Program includes Listener call-in questions.
November 12, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with U.S. Senator Rod Grams about the situation in Iraq and the involvement of the United Nations. Senator Grams chairs the International Operations Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Listeners call in with questions.
November 7, 1997 - Midday offers another program in the continuing "Voices of Minnesota" interview series, featuring conversations with Andre Lewis of the Honeywell Foundation; Win Wallin of Medtronic; and Dominique Serrand of Theatre de la Jeune Lune.
November 5, 1997 - Midday discusses 1998 election results with political analysts Bob Meek, a Democrat; and Nancy Longley, a Republican, to get their perspectives. Topics include Twin Cities mayoral races. Listeners call in with questions.
November 4, 1997 - This Midday program features an election day special about voting with Elaine Voss, Minnesota’s Deputy Secretary of State. Issues covered are who votes and why; whether the elections system can, or needs to be, improved; citizenship; and meaning of a democracy. Listeners call in with questions.
October 29, 1997 - Midday features a discussion with candidates for mayor of Minneapolis…current Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton; and her challenger, former Minneapolis council member Barbara Carlson. Topics include crime, city investment, education, and local economy. Belton and Carlson also answer listener call-in questions.
October 28, 1997 - Midday offers live two-hour coverage of the legislative Special Session with a debate on the Twins ballpark/stadium in the Minnesota Senate. Debate includes gambling as a funding source. MPR reporter Martin Kaste joins Gary Eichten to provide analysis as debate plays out.
October 24, 1997 - On the 50th anniversary of the opening week of the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings on Communism in America, Midday looks at the time period often known as "The McCarthy Era."
October 21, 1997 - Midday discusses new federal guidelines affecting immigrants with guests Jennifer Prestholdt, director of Refugee and Immigrant Program at Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights; and Loan Huynh, legal and advocacy director at Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.
October 20, 1997 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's "Minnesota Family Strength Project," Midday features a discussion about the role of extended family with guest Miriam Reibold, past president of the Minnesota Senior Federation. Program also includes listeners call-in with questions.