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.
October 2, 1979 - MPR's special live coverage of Northern States Power Company press conference, where officials answer questions about the nuclear accident at its Prairie Island reactor near Red Wing, Minnesota.
November 5, 1979 - MPR's special live coverage of election night results, including that of the Minneapolis mayoral race, in which Don Fraser is called as winner. Program includes various reports and commentary from outgoing Minneapolis City Council President Lou DeMars.
November 9, 1979 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with reporter Pat Kessler about St. Paul Police press conference regarding plot to kidnap Minnesota Governor Al Quie. Segment includes clips from press conference, which notes suspects as students from Mankato State.
February 11, 1980 - MPR’s Dale Connelly takes All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten on "tour" of new domed stadium. It’s a collective imagination experience for reporters…and the listener.
April 16, 1980 - Nick Nash, vice president for programming at Minnesota Public Radio, talks playoff hockey. Nash provides commentary of what to expect in Minnesota North Stars & Montreal Canadians quarter-finals series and the different styles of play in the NHL.
April 30, 1980 - MPR's Gary Eichten interviews William Colby, former CIA director, who discusses CIA Charter, as well as various political, intelligence, technology, and espionage topics.
May 31, 1980 - MPR Special Coverage presents a review of what happened at the 1980 Independent Republican convention with MPR’s Bob Potter, Dick Daly, and Gary Eichten. Program includes excerpts of speeches at state convention held in Duluth. The result of gathering was selection of Ronald Reagan as nominee and delegates for the national GOP convention.
October 31, 1980 - MPR’s Gary Eichten presents the last live broadcast at MPR’s Park Square Court studios in St. Paul. As a Halloween treat, he shares an audio collage of radio outtakes.
April 16, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter and Gary Eichten take a look at Minnesota Governor Al Quie’s budget and tax proposal. An incorrect state forecast has left the administration looking for a tax increase.
June 11, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with local sports reporter Jay Weiner about potential Major League Baseball strike and its effect on Minnesota Twins.