We could have followed the tried-and-true format for this category: Edit together several different

stories to best demonstrate how the reporter handles a variety of subjects.

Instead, we chose to show you how WKRC-TV’s Duane Pohlman handled three different stories in his
on-going, massive investigative project called, “Fallout, in which he is exposing the truth about
radioactive contamination, cancer and death in a community that has been forgotten.

While this entry is not conventional, we believe it best demonstrates Pohlman’s abilities as a journalist
to simplify the complex, humanize individuals, and engage the viewer through thoughtful and thorough
storytelling.

The following three examples are not only the Pohlman’s best stories of 2022, but some of the most
important stories in his long and distinguished career:

A RADIOACTIVE HOME: Pohlman crawls into an attic of a home - already thought to be

radioactive - to help collect more dust for testing. To the family suffering serious health issues,
the proof that their home is contaminated with dangerously high levels of radioactive
contamination was essential. To the community, it was confirmation that enriched uranium
traveled much farther from a cold war plant in southern Ohio than what the government admits
and confirmed that a home is dangerous.

 FALLOUT OUT FROM RUSSIA: Pohlman uncovers documents proving radioactive material-
shipped from Russia to the plant in Southern Ohio during the “Megatons to Megawatt”
program - contained at least trace amounts of deadly plutonium that has contaminated the
plant and community. This story drew threats from government officials and praise from
Congressmen.
 TOO MANY DEATHS: Pohlman travels to New Jersey to interview a leading epidemiologist who
reveals a shocking number of excessive deaths happening in the county surrounding the plant.

REACTION

These reports (along with others) triggered U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan to hold meetings and write a letter to the
U.S. Secretary of Energy, demanding answers. It also caused U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, who is chair of
the powerful Senate Energy Committee, to visit the plant and people in the communities surrounding it
to learn first-hand the issues we raised in our reports.

After Pohlman confirmed dangerously high amounts of enriched uranium in the Lawson home, Rep.
Ryan also issued a statement, saying in part: “This new report … raises serious concerns around DOE’s
testing methodology and handling of radioactive materials around PORTS.”

US Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) also issued a statement, saying, “It is unacceptable for any Ohio
family to have to worry about getting sick in the place they’re supposed to be safest – their home. I’m
concerned about these new reports that show radioactive particles in a house four miles outside of the
zone where the Department of Energy (DOE) is testing for radioactive activity. The DOE now needs to be
transparent and accountable – especially for this community that has been struggling for 50 years.”
Congressman Ryan also wrote the following letter Pohlman (below), ending with, “…you have
demonstrated how a free press is essential to a healthy democracy.”