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.
March 4, 1976 - Pledge drive with Garrison Keillor, Bill Kling, and Gary Eichten. Kling asks Dave Peters, executive editor of Minnesota Monthly to talk about the April issue. Bemidji writer Marilyn Heltzer also talks.
July 4, 1976 - This special MPR program takes a look at various communities throughout Minnesota and shows how they celebrate the 4th of July, especially during the bicentennial year. Program includes interviews, performances, and commentary.
August 11, 1976 - MPR reporter John Merli looks at the growing popularity of soccer in the state and local professional team, the Minnesota Kicks.
November 10, 1976 - A special production by the Minnesota Public Radio news unit on the political history of Rudy Perpich, who takes over as Governor for Wendell Anderson who stepped down to be a Senator.
April 8, 1977 - Midday presents an MPR Special report on the Minnesota Supreme Court's unanimous decision that Reserve Mining Company be allowed to use the "Milepost 7" site for its taconite tailings on-land disposal. Program includes various reports, interviews and commentary from both sides of the court fight.
May 22, 1978 - As an MPR Special supplement to All Things Considered, a discussion with Joseph Alexander, incoming Department of Natural Resources commissioner on his plans for the DNR…including multiple use, BWCA, and conservation efforts.
June 20, 1978 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten presents reports on the lack of job security in the teaching profession. Segment includes interviews with several Minnesota teachers.
July 6, 1978 - MPR’s Gary Eichten checks in with regional reporters on the historic flooding that hit the city of Rochester. After torrential rain, the Zumbro River overflowed and is causing extensive damage to area.
August 29, 1978 - MPR’s Gary Eichten looks at the statewide average price for 10 items in a grocery survey. The results show costs were impacted by where one lives.
June 19, 1979 - Roy Aune, assistant director of Emergency Services for Minnesota, states that there is enough fallout capacity but it is not where the people are located. He also warns that the state lacks staff and money to complete civil defense preparations.