Behind the success of the Prison Radio Association is our dedicated, hardworking staff team who make the world of prison radio in England and Wales tick. Here, we get to know them and spotlight their experience of working for the Prison Radio Association.
Malik is our Production and Social Media Assistant for our award-winning podcast, Life After Prison. Malik supports podcast production and he generates the content you see across the Life After Prison social media channels. He contributes to building and engaging with our Life After Prison audience by providing valuable information, inspiration and support. Malik’s work directly impacts people preparing for and after release from prison, and helps to develop a mutually-supportive community. Here is what he has to say about life at the Prison Radio Association:
How long have you been working at the Prison Radio Association? What were you doing before?
At the time of writing this, I’ve just crept past the 8-month mark, basically furniture at this point.
I’ve always worked within the creative media space, whether that’s TV, theatre, film, fashion, photography etc. Just before joining the Prison Radio Association I was freelancing in the TV world working on quite a few shows that people probably watch on a day to day.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Editing! A whole heap of editing and coming up with fun ideas for Zak and Jules. I’m part of the Life After Prison team and I’m pretty my much across all of our social media. So day to day I’ll be chopping up clips from episodes to throw onto our socials. Prepping episodes with Beth, speaking with potential guests about their stories and life journey. I’m usually doing something different most days, and very kindly having the licence to explore new and interesting ways to grow our podcast, whilst also making sure our core audience is being catered to.
The socials games I always have fun making. Testing different quizzes and games out on people in the office (usually Ali) is such a fun little side quest.
What is the best thing about working at the Prison Radio Association?
Further developing my knowledge through people with lived experience is a big thing for me. I didn’t come into this journey ignorant; some friends and family are well accustomed to the Criminal Justice System. But being able to have very consistent and intentional communication with people inside, and those that have changed their lives has really helped develop my understanding which I’m really grateful for.
What is something you wish everybody understood about the realities of working in prison?
The people. Understanding the sheer range of people you will come across. Until you work in a prison, I don’t think you can truly understand it. There is an infinite amount you will learn from working on prisons, that the media (news, films/tv shows) and otherwise will not be able to teach you. I think everyone should experience visiting prisons at the very least, going on the wings, speaking to people and hearing their story.
What is your favourite podcast or radio show currently?
That would have to be the Post Credits Scene podcast. Lovers of all thing TV film and theatre. They break down some of their favourite shows in same ways I would with friends, it’s so good. And it’s FUNNY, I try not to listen on the tube because I burst out laughing and catch strange looks too often.
What is the song that you would use to sum up your life OR time working at the Prison Radio Association?
Bit of an existential question, wow. But right now I’d say it’s Could Heaven Ever Be Like This – Idris Muhammad. It’s a song that really takes you on a journey, it builds over time, changes vibes at points and has moments of stillness, and if that’s not my life in 8 minutes 36 seconds then I don’t know what is!
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