Goodbye, Gary

A familiar voice signs off, as the host of MPR’s Midday retires

Gary Eichten's 40-year career at Minnesota Public Radio is drawing to a close.

Image credit: METRO

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In his 40-plus years at Minnesota Public Radio, Gary Eichten has earned his stripes as one of the most trusted and respected broadcast news professionals in the biz, known just as much for his commitment to fairness—and to keeping himself and his opinions out of the story—as for his interviews with high-profile newsmakers and a multitude of awards. (His easy-on-the-ears demeanor and reassuring voice haven’t cost him any points, either.)

Since 1992 Eichten has hosted Midday, MPR’s daily program presenting call-ins, news, speeches and documentaries. As he prepares for his retirement from MPR this month, Eichten reflects on his early days and ponders what’s ahead.

METRO: How did you get started in journalism? Was it something you wanted to do from a young age?

Gary Eichten: I began in high school, writing for the school newspaper. I was the sports editor and did sports writing in Mankato, but I couldn’t [do that] very well—so I got fired. I thought, ‘now what?’ and realized I’m the only one who has to read [my] stuff, so I immigrated to radio.

METRO: Who are your news heroes?

GE: Jim Klobuchar is still my hero. He changed sports journalism and I learned a lot from him. For broadcasting [it’s] Dave Moore. He was just brilliant behind the microphone. And of course, Walter Cronkite, the God of News.

METRO: With your upcoming retirement, the tables have turned and you’ve become the interviewee rather than the interviewer. What’s that like for you?

GE: It’s easier to be the interviewer than the interviewee. I have my views, but I gotta zip those up. No rant, no slant. It’s easier to ask questions, though I do love the attention.

METRO: You have one of the most recognizable and trusted voices on MPR. Have you ever caught any flak for it?

GE: Long ago there was a stylized way of doing radio announcing, and if that had remained the case, I would have had to do something else. But with MPR the premise was much more conversational. I got to be like a regular person—no phony-baloney—and the approach was a real godsend.

METRO: Unlike the unbiased news reporting that you are known for, there seems to be a trend among some of today’s journalists and bloggers to insert themselves into the story. What do you think this means for the future of journalism?

GE: There is a different emphasis, and lines are blurring a lot. The whole idea of who a journalist is is changing significantly. If you’re a blogger, are there the same standards as a news guy? I wonder if the audience understands the difference between absorbing information from a blogger vs. receiving information from MPR.

METRO: What legacy do you hope to leave behind at MPR?

GE: I hope I’ve made some small contribution to Minnesota Public Radio’s place in the community as a trusted source of news and information, with decent, fun conversations—and without people yelling at each other.

METRO: What will be the toughest part about leaving?

GE: Not being around the people. I have all of my best friends here. Most of my friends I met because of what I do. I’ll especially miss the young folks; they’re all fired up about stuff and it’s invigorating. I’ll just return to Gary Eichten, citizen, and will miss the opportunity to talk with interesting people for an hour everyday. It’s a wonderful way to make a living.

+ An event honoring Gary Eichten will be held at the Fitzgerald Theater on Thursday, Jan. 19. Althought it is sold out, the show will be broadcast on Eichten's last day, Friday, Jan. 20. For more information visit minnesota.publicradio.org.