Written by Eric Holder for the University of Georgia’s faculty and staff newspaper, Columns.
ATHENS, Ga. — “The Making of ‘The DNA Files’” is now available to programmers, journalists and educators to encourage the creation of more and better health and medical content for electronic media.
The documentary, which was first distributed at the Radio and Television News Directors Association and National Association of Broadcasters, is an in-depth look at the creation of the Peabody Award-winning series, “The DNA Files.”
“‘The DNA Files’ is a vivid, accessible radio series explaining the intricate building blocks of genetic science,” noted Horace Newcomb, director of the Peabody Awards program. “We were delighted to present the Peabody/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Programming to this outstanding series.”
The Peabody Awards, considered the most prestigious prize in electronic media, are administered by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The health and medical award is cosponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted to improving health and health care.
“The Making of ‘The DNA Files,’” features interviews with individuals involved in creating the winning program. Series host and former Peabody Award winner John Hockenberry, executive producer Bari Scott, researches, writers and producers all explain the difficult tasks of making complex science and health issues accessible to a large audience.
The package includes a DVD of the documentary and a CD including an hour of excerpts from the five-part radio series exploring the mysteries of genetic science.
Currently available, free of charge, through the Peabody Awards office, the documentary will be housed in the Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection at the UGA Library.
For more information on the Peabody/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award, visit www.peabody.uga.edu.