The OLOA Project

Electric Radio Brixton (ERB) is run by the Prison Radio Association, an award-winning educational charity which supports prison radio as a way of trying to rehabilitate prisoners. ERB broadcasts 24 hours a day, mainly music but with a lot of information. The station has won two Sony Radio Awards - the Oscars of the radio industry - including an audience participation award. It is now working with the Ministry of Justice to develop a national prison radio service.

The prison radio is like a "bulletin" for the prison. They give information and advice for its listeners. For example, when a prisoner is near the end of his sentence, the station can prepare him for release, advising how to re-establish or maintain the relationship with the family, how to find accommodation, education or employment.

Most programmes are presented by prisoners. They learn how to be radio presenters. It gives them discipline and a work ethic and encourages confidence and creativity.

ERB's mission and programme content all sound very good but do prisoners actually listen? Many say they listen and clearly know the schedule.

Many people believe radio really can help prisoners and we see the Sony nominations as an important recognition.

By Torin Douglas
BBC media correspondent

Adapted from BBC News. To view full article see: