“More Brent Geese than ever are visiting Bradwell”: an examination of the public-facing media messages promoting nuclear energy in the late 1950s and 1960s

Abstract. In the 1950s, rapidly increasing electricity consumption prompted the conception of an ambitious nuclear energy programme in the UK. The need for nuclear power was framed alongside the continued building of coal and oil power stations but were promoted as a solution to the geographical and supply issues to each respectively. The process of producing electricity from nuclear fission was unknown to many, and information on the development of nuclear energy was largely government and industry led. This paper draws together official industry media to examine how nuclear energy was promoted to the public. It will argue that aspects of the process of generating nuclear electricity were framed as exceptional and mundane to ensure public enthusiasm and support. However, the narrative of the exceptional and mundane was facilitated by the systematic omission of information throughout the dissemination process to hide elements of contest and gatekeep knowledge to maintain the illusion. The industry promoted a narrative which could facilitate the roll-out of nuclear power alongside the public trust and support.