Latest News
Tweet us@PrisonRadioUK
Tweet us@PrisonRadioUK
This year, our charity the Prison Radio Association was nominated for five awards across five categories at the British Podcast Awards. Deemed ‘the biggest night in British podcasting’, the British Podcast Awards is an annual event designed to bring together the podcast community to celebrate the outstanding work being produced and the teams behind them.
And at last night’s ceremony we took home three awards, including Gold for our organisation, the Prison Radio Association for best Network/Publisher. We were up against some of the biggest names in the industry – an incredible testament to to the quality, creativity, and impact of our podcast work.
In the last few years our podcast work has grown substantially, and so has its audience. We continue to highlight the importance of giving a voice to marginalised communities, and to provide a platform for organisations working in the wider criminal justice system to promote the amazing work they are doing.
As our listenership has grown, so has its impact:
“Zak and Jules are amazing. I’ve done 15 years in prison, been in and out loads of times. My outlook on life has changed because of the Sit Down show and Life After Prison, if only they had done this 10 years ago. They’ve changed my outlook on life, they’ve given me positivity, and confidence in coming out, they are actually amazing… you guys have inspired me to change and to come out and be a better person, give me business ideas, there’s not one thing you’ve said that hasn’t made sense. I take my hat off to you guys, if you’re reaching out to me like this I can imagine you’re reaching out to millions.” – Life After Prison listener
“I can’t recommend The Secret Life of Prisons enough. It’s a podcast with a beating heart, it’s informative, it’s compassionate and it connects the outside world with the inside world of prisons. This podcast changed my life for the better.” – The Secret Life of Prisons listener
“I just listened to one of your podcasts for the first time (the one with John Robins); I found it so honest, insightful and very helpful. John’s words regarding self compassion etc were so beautiful. I also really liked the way the interview was conducted, so calm and comforting, no bells and whistles, just honest questions and answers, very welcome. I will continue listening!” – Hold or Fold listener
We’re so incredibly proud of our charity, which produces world-class audio with some of the most talented presenters and producers in the industry today, who just so happened to have spent time in prison.
Listen to and check out our full podcast range.
Other highlights of the night included a Silver award for Hold or Fold in the Education category. The Education category recognises podcasts that inform, teach, and inspire learning, whether through expert insight, clear explanation, or creative storytelling. It celebrates shows that make knowledge accessible and engaging for listeners of all backgrounds.
Hold or Fold, in partnership with GambleAware, helps people understand gambling addiction by sharing real stories and honest conversations about its impact on lives, families, and crime. Presenters Ben and Steve, who have first-hand experience, make a complex issue easier to grasp, while offering support and hope through lived experience and expert advice.
You can listen to Hold or Fold here.
And, the Life After Prison team added yet another award to the mantelpiece after winning Bronze in the Lifestyle category. The Lifestyle category celebrates podcasts that explore how we live, work, and relate to the world around us.
Life After Prison is a podcast series and online community for people affected by the criminal justice system. It is created by the Prison Radio Association, a registered charity that has revolutionised communications in the criminal justice sector.
The podcast is hosted by Zak and Jules – two people who are part of the community themselves, having both been released from prison in 2019. Their personal experience of the resettlement journey is crucial to the success of Life After Prison.
Life After Prison aims to pick up where National Prison Radio left off for tens of thousands of people who are resettling into society after a sentence.
You can listen to Life After Prison here.
Here’s what the British Podcast Awards had to say about last nights wins:
“This year’s results is an outstanding reflection of everything British Podcasting has to offer! From laugh-out-loud comedy and fictional escapism to impactful news coverage and topic specific content, this year’s finalists truly capture the depth and diversity of this ever-growing industry!“
We are beyond honoured to receive these awards for our podcasts. The biggest congratulations to our incredible colleagues Zak, Jules, Becky, Beth, Malik, Perri, Ben, Steve, Sam, Nancy, Richie, Andrew, Faye, Phil and Paula. You all truly deserve this wonderful recognition.
And to every person who has ever tuned into our podcast episodes and supported our work – thank you for helping to build a community and for celebrating the talent that lives behind bars.
We are so thankful to the British Podcast Awards for this recognition – thank you for recognising what a small but mighty charity can do.
These types of awards means so much more than the glamour and the silverware. This win isn’t just ours. It’s a win for people in prison everywhere, and a powerful reminder that there is life, talent, and potential beyond the bars.
If you would like to support our work and help us to continue providing opportunities for talented people leaving prison, you can make a donation here:
And to keep up to date with the work of the Prison Radio Association, please follow our social media pages:
X – @prisonradiouk
Instagram – @prisonradiouk
TikTok – @prisonradiouk
Facebook – Prison Radio Association
LinkedIn – Prison Radio Association