35 years later, a look at the world’s worst-ever civil nuclear disaster

‘The Chernobyl Event’ premiering on South Carolina ETV April 25

South Carolina ETV (SCETV) today announced plans to premiere The Chernobyl Event: An Update at 35 Years on Sunday, April 25 at 7 p.m. The special program, produced by the agency’s Education team, takes a look back at the history of the event, explains the disaster’s connections with SCETV and the University of South Carolina (UofSC) and focuses on the continued study of animals, birds and insects as the lasting impact of the Chernobyl event is explored.

Thirty-five years ago, on April 26, 1986, the largest nuclear disaster in history took place behind the Soviet Iron Curtain. The event impacted nature, nuclear science, the Soviet Union’s political and economic outlook, U.S.-Soviet relations and, of course, local residents. The ramifications of the Chernobyl event were not confined just to the local area, however; they were felt worldwide.

Rare photos and video footage, captured by SCETV’s NatureScene production team when they were allowed to visit in 2003, provide a one-of-a-kind view, documenting evidence of the devastation caused by the catastrophic accident. Some of that footage will be utilized in the upcoming program.

Featuring UofSC Naturalist-in-Residence Rudy Mancke and other special guests, S.C. Department of Education Career and Technical Education Director Angel Malone will lead a comprehensive panel discussion highlighting the impact the event has had on humans and nature, scientific research and subsequent actions taken to make the contaminated site safer. The complete list of panelists to be featured in the broadcast is below:

• Angie Hill – National Board Certified Teacher; Science Department Chair at Westwood High School, Richland District Two
• Rudy Mancke – UofSC Naturalist-in-Residence and host of SCETV’s NatureScene
• Dr. Tim Mousseau – UofSC professor of Biological Science
• Dr. Gordon B. Smith – UofSC professor emeritus of Political Science
• Ann Timberlake – Timberlake Communications LLC; former executive director, Conservation Voters of S.C.

Connecting things to the Palmetto State, The Chernobyl Event: An Update at 35 Years also delves into related environmental issues in South Carolina and serves as an educational opportunity for our students as we talk about why studying the Chernobyl event has relevance today. At 35 years since the tragedy, it remains the world’s worst-ever civil nuclear disaster.

In addition to its premiere on April 25, the program will also re-air on Monday, April 26 at 7 p.m. on SCETV, as well as on Monday, April 26 at 2 p.m. on ETV World and 8 p.m. on the South Carolina Channel. For more information on SCETV, visit www.scetv.org.

“An important part of our mission in public media is to cultivate and lead discussions on global issues that have impacted us and left footprints on our society. With programs like this one premiering on April 25, our agency is doing just that, and I look forward to hearing a thoughtful conversation on such a significant event.” -SCETV President and CEO Anthony Padgett

“We are truly excited to broadcast this timely special, looking back at the Chernobyl event. Although it occurred 35 years ago, its relevance is still clear today. At SCETV, delivering educational content in a timely and efficient manner is critical to the success of our mission. I am extremely proud of our Education team for their tremendous work!” -SCETV Interim Assistant General Manager Dr. Stephanie Frazier

FIVE FAST FACTS:

•  SCETV announced plans to premiere The Chernobyl Event: An Update at 35 Years on Sunday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
• The television special takes a look back at the history of the event, explains the disaster’s connections with SCETV and UofSC and focuses on the continued study of animals, birds and insects as the lasting impact of the Chernobyl event is explored.
• The program also delves into related environmental issues in the Palmetto State and serves as an educational opportunity for our students as the event’s relevance to today is discussed.
• Rare photos and video footage, captured by SCETV’s NatureScene production team will be utilized, providing a one-of-a-kind view, documenting evidence of the devastation caused by the catastrophic accident.
• The Chernobyl Event: An Update at 35 Years features a host of panelists, including naturalist Rudy Mancke and Angel Malone with the S.C. Department of Education.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
 
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. Using television, radio and diverse digital properties, SCETV’s mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning. In addition to airing local programs, such as “By The River,” “Carolina Classrooms,” “Making it Grow,” “Palmetto Scene” and “This Week in South Carolina,” SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including “Expeditions,” “How She Rolls,” “Reconnecting Roots,” “Reel South,” “Somewhere South,” “Yoga in Practice” and “Live from Charleston Music Hall.” In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, “Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.”