The program, part of a series called “BURN: An Energy Journal,” was a one-year anniversary special examining the future of nuclear power after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan. It featured an interview with an American nuclear technician who was working inside the plant when the tsunami and earthquake struck. It also included tape recordings from inside the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Emergency Operations Center as officials struggled to shape America’s response to the Fukushima disaster. Seth Borenstein, a science reporter for the Associated Press, said the broadcast was “gripping, informative and thorough—radio science journalism at its best.” Larry Engel, an associate professor in the American University School of Communication and a freelance broadcast producer, said the program had “an excellent combination of story reporting, writing, character development, and sound recording and editing.” Bari Scott, executive producer of the BURN series, said: “We’re honored that AAAS has recognized BURN’s debut program. By showing energy issues through the lens of personal experience, BURN aims to help people let go of preconceived notions and take in new information.” Scott previously won the radio award in 2002.
