For many who have listened to the airwaves over the previous decades, Gary Eichten’s voice is synonymous to Minnesota Public Radio. The retired MPR News editor-at-large Eichten has worn many hats during his 40-plus-year career at MPR, including news director, special events producer, and station manager. He routinely 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!).
It all began on April Fool’s Day in 1967, when Eichten started his career at Minnesota Public Radio as a student announcer at Collegeville’s KSJR, MPR’s first station. He became the station’s one-man news department and quickly found that turning up his headphones forced him to speak more intimately, which gave him that radio voice.
In the fall of 1992, Eichten moved from hosting the regional late-afternoon edition of All Things Considered to hosting Midday. In his new role, Eichten personified the art of hosting, a tradition begun by the program’s previous host, Bob Potter. It also solidified Gary’s distinct tone and insightful questions that listeners came to hear as being MPR.
As Midday host, Eichten let his guests answer those questions and sought to understand their responses. With daily early morning research, his respectful but direct on-air style, and assistance from his long-time producer Sara Meyer, Eichten found himself making memorable radio…from a poignant sign-off of the original regional “All Things Considered,” a live on-air moment with a contentious Governor Ventura, to even a pledge drive.
Among the honors Eichten received during his MPR career is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Award for Best Local News Program and the prestigious 2011 Graven Award by the Premack Public Affairs Journalism Awards Board for his contribution to excellence in the journalism profession. He also assisted in the development of two Peabody award-winning documentaries. In 2007, Eichten was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting's Hall of Fame.
Simply put, Mr. Eichten is a Minnesota treasure, on and off the air.
April 19, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Jack Tunheim, Minnesota’s chief deputy attorney general, about two gun control bills being debated at the State Capitol. The two provisions include allowing cities in metro area to have stricter gun ownership rules and semi-automatic purchasers having to go through a background check.
April 20, 1993 - As Midday guest, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson shares his viewpoints on state budget, legislative moves at the State Capitol, and national economy forecast. Governor Carlson also answers listener questions.
April 21, 1993 - A Midday interview with John Marty, state senator from District 54, about money, term limits, and campaign finances in state politics. Marty discusses the various bills at the Capitol.
April 26, 1993 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with famous musician Doc Severinsen, who has been named the first principal pops conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra. Severinsen details what symphony orchestra program will look like as a “pops” concert.
April 29, 1993 - A Midday interview with Roger Moe, state senator of the 2nd District. Moe comments on Governor Carlson’s tax plan and the varied approaches on taxes at the State Capitol.
May 3, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Ron Libertus, advocate and expert in American Indian art & culture, shares his insights on how Mille Lacs spearfishing during spawning season is an important part of native tradition. Libertus details the ties to cyclical nature, tribute, and spirituality.
May 4, 1993 - Arlene DeCandia, founder and CEO of the Riverwood Companies, discusses starting a business. Topics include reasons and challenges of running your own business. DeCandia also answers listener questions.
May 6, 1993 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Jim Dutcher, former University of Minnesota basketball coach, about National Basketball Association star Kevin McHale. The star NBA player is retiring after 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
May 12, 1993 - Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute, reacts to K-12 funding bill.
May 20, 1993 - U.S. Congressman Martin Sabo shares his thoughts on House Budget Committee efforts in pushing through economic package at the U.S. Capitol.