October 1, 2024 - An APM Special Coverage presentation of the documentary, The Breakthrough of ’48: When Civil Rights Won the White House. Based on veteran journalist Samuel Freedman’s celebrated book, Into the Bright Sunshine, this documentary uses first-person interviews and compelling archival audio to resurrect a pivotal moment in American history that remains relevant and revealing today.
November 11, 2011 - On this special Veterans Day Midday program, a remembrance of legendary radio dramatist Norman Corwin with a short documentary on his career, and excerpts from his masterpiece, On a Note of Triumph, which remains the most listened to radio drama in U.S. history. Later in the hour, author Tim O'Brien reads and discusses his critically acclaimed short story collection on the Vietnam War, The Things They Carried.
August 9, 1995 - Midday presents an NPR Special Report on the end of World War II in 1945, upon the U.S. bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. Scott Simon hosts report that includes various historical readings, audio, and interviews.
August 15, 1985 - In marking the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the end of the second World War, a rebroadcast of a program entitled Hiroshima Countdown, which traces the development of the atomic bomb. Documentary includes commentary by Studs Terkel, author of The Good War.