Jon Snow, Channel 4 News Presenter & PRA Patron
I have chosen to lend my support to the PRA because I
believe this is innovative broadcasting to a quite literally captive audience… the potential in all sorts of ways is enormous.
The Prison Radio Association (PRA) aims to change the lives of serving prisoners through the power of radio.
An award-winning education charity, the PRA runs National Prison Radio (NPR) in partnership with the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). The service is available to prisoners across England and Wales directly in their cells.
The PRA also provides support, guidance and expertise to existing prison radio projects and advises prisons interested in setting up radio projects and radio training facilities.
The PRA was established as a charity in 2006 in response to a growing demand from prisons to engage in prison radio.
Registered Charity Number – 1114760
Our programmes and campaigns
The Brixton Hour
Former HMP Brixton Governor, Paul McDowell, answering prisoners' questions for The Brixton Hour It is through The Brixton Hour that National Prison Radio retains a vital link with its predecessor, Electric Radio Brixton. This programme is essential listening for anybody serving time in th... more→
Behind Bars
When sentenced, nearly two-thirds of prisoners have serious drink problems, and up to 50% are problem drug users. Poverty, poor housing, physical and mental health problems, low educational attainment – the issues that affect prisoners are manifold and serious. Featuring interviews, in-depth d... more→
Time to Quit? No Smoking Day on National Prison Radio – March 2011
Rates of smoking in prisons are extremely high. Approximately 80% of prisoners smoke, compared to 22% of the general UK population. Smoking is an established part of prison culture. Many prisoners say they smoke as a way of coping with stress and boredom, and cigarettes and tobacco also have a signi... more→
A Sound Fix
This Sony Radio Academy Gold Award-winning campaign delivered key messages to prisoners to inform and educate them about drug and alcohol misuse and to promote the support services offered in prisons and in the community upon release. The campaign was designed to encourage inmates to recognise their... more→