National Prison Radio - Prison Radio Association

National Prison Radio broadcasts into prison cells across England and Wales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National Prison Radio aims to reduce reoffending, by supporting people through their sentences and preparing them for life after release.

Through its diverse programming schedule, National Prison Radio aims to promote a culture of positive change in prison, while acknowledging and addressing the challenges of imprisonment.

The best of National Prison Radio

National Prison Radio provides crucial information alongside inspirational and uplifting content in innovative formats. It encourages education, debate and a sense of community. The emphasis is on helping people to understand their situation and own their future, as well as providing information about support services available in prison.

Programmes are presented and produced by people with experience of prison. We work closely with our partners to help make our listeners’ time behind bars constructive.

National Prison Radio’s programmes are made in HMP Styal and HMP Brixton. Professional production staff work alongside prisoners, equipping them with skills and confidence.

Our Programmes

National Prison Radio’s programmes all target the key factors linked to reducing people’s likelihood of reoffending. They support the strategic priorities of HM Prison and Probation Service, with whom we work in close partnership. Here is a selection of our most recent work.

Porridge

The world’s first national breakfast show for people in prison. Award-winning presenter Ali sets a positive tone for the day through quizzes, jokes and features.
Free Flow

We play the beats, listeners write the words and award-winning poet and presenter Lady Unchained gives her feedback. Delivered in partnership with The Shannon Trust.
The Request Show

Building a community of support inside and outside prison, National Prison Radio uses music to keep people in touch with loved ones.
Books Unlocked

In partnership with the National Literacy Trust and the Booker Prize Foundation, we broadcast audiobooks every night of the year.
Love Bug

On Sunday evenings we encourage our listeners to grab a pen and paper and write a letter to a loved one, to a soundtrack of smooth love songs. Includes letter-writing tips.
The Rock Show

Every Saturday evening, National Prison Radio’s famous Rock Show Family get together to enjoy two hours of sounds and share stories of legendary gigs.
At Ease

Veterans are over-represented in prison. At Ease, supported by the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, provides bespoke advice.
NPR Talk

National Prison Radio’s daily show helping listeners find their future. The programme’s slogan: Don’t just do your time. Use your time.

Song Request

If you'd like to record a message, please press the button below. After recording your message, you must fill in the information below in order for it to be sent.

Record voice message

Who is the request for?

What is their prison number?

Location

Your Name

Your Email

Song Title

Artist

Your message

I confirm that I am 18 years old and over and I have the permission of the person in prison to supply their details to National Prison Radio for the purposes of a dedication

Latest News

National Prison Radio broadcasts into prison cells across England and Wales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The best of National Prison Radio

Our Programmes

Song Request

Family and Friends Request Show

The Family and Friends Request Show with Jules 10-04-25

The Family and Friends Request Show with Faye 03-04-25

The Family and Friends Request Show with Jules 27-03-25

The Family and Friends Request Show with Jules 20-03-25