June 7, 1982 - Richard Snelling, Republican Governor of Vermont, speaking to the Humphrey institute at the University of Minnesota. Snelling spoke on a framework for a workable government, on the “New Federalism,” and how to make government work. Snelling was first elected Governor of Vermont in 1976, and he won re-election by a wide margin in 1978, and an unprecedented third term in 1980. He had served previously in his state legislature, serving as majority leader in the House. Since becoming a chief executive, he has assumed a larger role in national affairs, working among other things as chairman of the Republican Governors Association. He founded a hardware and ski manufacturing firm in 1959.
June 26, 1982 - Cornell professor and author Carl Sagan, U.S. Senator Gary Hart (D-Colorado), and the Reverend William Sloane Coffin, Jr. discuss how to prevent nuclear war. Audio was recorded at a teach-in at Cornell University in November 1981.
July 12, 1982 - Dr. Herbert Schiller, Communications Professor Herbert Schiller at the University of California in San Diego, speaking at the Walker Art Center's symposium, "Art and the Future.”. Schiller addresses the future of arts and communication. Schiller is a long-time outspoken critic of traditional and corporate communications networks. He advocates alternative media and increased public access to communications systems. In speech, he contends that the private sector's increased involvement in cultural communications may result in less diversity and richness in the programs we see and hear.
August 4, 1982 - Dr. Robert Neil Butler, director of the National Institute on Aging speaking at the Minnesota Board on Aging's Silver Anniversary Institute on Aging at St. Cloud State University. Butler’s address was on the topic of “Who Needs Long-term Care?” Butler is the Pulitzer prize winning author of the book, "Why Survive? Being Old in America".
August 16, 1982 - Independent-Republican gubernatorial candidates Lieutenant Governor Lou Wangberg, businessman Wheelock Whitney, and former governor Harold Stassen debate the issues in this live broadcast.
August 17, 1982 - Democratic Gubernatorial candidates Warren Spannaus and Rudy Perpich debate, moderated by Sally Patterson from the League of Women Voters.
August 25, 1982 - Midday presents a lively debate for state auditor role. Incumbent Independent-Republican State Auditor Arne Carlson and challenger Paul Wellstone, DFL, discuss their differing views on how best the auditor’s office can benefit the state.
September 1, 1982 - Harrison Salisbury, retired associate editor of the New York Times, speaking at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota. Salisbury talks about Soviet Russia and society; it's past and potential. Address is titled "Russia: Past Present and Future". At the Times, and since his retirement, Salisbury has developed considerable expertise and understanding of the Soviet Union, having traveled and written extensively about Soviet society.
September 21, 1982 - MPR’s Jerry Cassidy reports on comments from former Minnesota Viking Alan Page at AFL-CIO convention in Duluth. Page speaks on NFL players strike and the need for revenue sharing.
October 18, 1982 - Barry Commoner, biologist and director of the Center for Biological Systems at Queens College in New York, speaking at Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Commoner’s address was titled "The Politics of Disarmament." After speech, he answered audience questions. Barry Commoner, a founder of the Citizens Party and that party's presidential candidate in 1980, is known as one of the first prominent voices speaking in defense of the environment.