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This year, our charity the Prison Radio Association was nominated for eleven awards across eleven categories at the Audio UK’s Audio Production Awards (APAs) and at Thursday night’s ceremony we added an astonishing eight more trophies to our cabinet – including being crowned Production Company of the Year.
We won four Gold awards, and four Silver awards for our productions. The majority of the awards received were given to people who have previously been to prison, and as proven at last nights ceremony, those people are some of the most talented people in the audio industry.
The Audio Production Awards is sponsored by Audible, and on the 27th November 2025 it returned for its fifteenth year at the BFI London, Southbank. Celebrating the people both behind the scenes and in front of the mic, the awards celebrate audio right across the board – from podcasts to radio, audiobooks to sound design, production to presenting.
Below, we talk you through each award we received this year…
Production Company of the Year Sponsored by Aiir: Prison Radio Association
We are the Prison Radio Association – the charity that believes in the power of audio to change lives.
We run National Prison Radio, multiple podcast productions, Prison Radio International and we unearth talent behind bars, and reshape public perspectives.
A an incredible win for us all and a testament to the impactful work that we do day in day out to support prisoners and people on release from prison.
New Voice Sponsored by BBC Sounds:
Scout Tzofiya Bolton (Various) – Prison Radio Association
Scout Tzofiya Bolton is a poet, activist and award-winning radio presenter. Scout presents the Rock Show on National Prison Radio and previously worked on National Prison Radio whilst serving a sentence at HMP Styal.
The Judges said: “They’re great! Scout’s lovely manner, engaging and charismatic presentation really carries an energy – in whichever format. A great music presenter and entertainer who really knows their audience.”
Scout is a one of a kind. The truest of talents in the audio industry. And proof that a lived experience of the criminal justice system does not define you.
Sound Design: Ballad of Scout and the Alcohol Tag – Prison Radio Association
The programme is a blend of poetry, music and testimony, all created by Scout, who first started working with us during their prison sentence at HMP Styal.
It’s the story of Scout’s relationship with alcohol, and with the tag that monitors them, told through Scout’s dazzling poetry.
The Judges said: “The use of music, poetry and narrative were all melded together in such a unique way. Listening to this entry was bewildering and disorientating. The sound design was developed closely with Scout, who story informed the work, resulting in an authentic treatment of the subject. It lingered long in the memory after hearing it.”
Another incredible win for this ballad which has picked up many awards since it’s broadcast. Scout’s story is the truest form of authenticity. This ballad does not hold back on the subjects most people shy away from, and that’s the key to its success.
Sports: Secret Life of Prisons – Brixton Half Marathon – Prison Radio Association
Two days before the 2025 London Marathon, a very special half marathon took place behind the walls of HMP Brixton in aid of the Prison Reform Trust. And our podcast The Secret Life of Prisons was granted exclusive access to bring listeners the sounds of a momentous morning.
Nine of HMP Brixton’s residents undertook a 16-week training programme and they ran alongside around 40 visitors in a feat of endurance and stamina.
The Judges said: “This entry captured the essence of what sport is all about. It’s infectious energy, ability to transport the listener to the heart of the action, and variety of voices stood out to the judges. Beautifully crafted, with humanity at it’s core. It stuck with us for days.”
This one-of-a-kind broadcast demonstrates that humanity exists even behind prison walls, and that meaningful achievements can rise out of life’s most difficult chapters.
Listen to the half marathon episode of The Secret Life of Prisons.
Branded Content: Sam Taylor (Hold Or Fold with GambleAware) – Prison Radio Association
Hold or Fold is our podcast about gambling addiction, hosted by Ben and Steve, who’ve both lived through it. They share real stories, expert advice, and hope for recovery, especially for those affected by gambling and the criminal justice system.
Hold or Fold continues to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and prove that there is life beyond addiction and recovery is possible.
Ensemble Cast/Presenting Team: Zak and Jules (Life After Prison) – Prison Radio Association
The dynamic podcasting duo have received yet another award to add to their ever growing mantelpiece.
Life After Prison explores how people rebuild their lives after prison through honest conversations and practical advice. It gives a voice to lived experience and provides listeners with the information, motivation and inspiration needed to navigate life on the outside.
Another accolade for the Life After Prison team goes to show how brilliant Zak and Jules are at proving that there is life after prison.
Music, Sponsored by Morley Radio: Free Flow – Prison Radio Association
Free Flow has yet again picked up another award. It is our highly impactful National Prison Radio show, presented by the inspirational Lady Unchained and sponsored by the Shannon Trust.
Every week it gives people in prison a vital escape – space to write, rap and express themselves while connecting thousands with Shannon Trust’s life-changing reading and writing support.
Free Flow gives people inside prison the space to discover the power of the pen and Lady Unchained is proof how much writing can change your life.
Producer of the Year Sponsored by Audible: Andrew Wilkie (Various) – Prison Radio Association
Andrew is our Deputy Chief Executive and unwavering talent in the audio industry.
He produces multiple different types of shows that represent all things criminal justice, and he does this with an approach that is raw, honest, kind, and pure dedication.
Andrew we’re SO proud of you!
What a night for us. One of the biggest we’ve had since our inception in 2006. We’ve come the longest way since our humble beginnings, and each year we continue to show that prison doesn’t have to be the end of someone’s life. It can actually spark a whole new, better beginning, if people are given the right opportunities and support to showcase their abilities.
There are many more people just like Scout, Zak, Jules, Lady Unchained, Faye and Paula that are living behind bars right now – we’re here to continue to unearth those talents.
The majority of our winners and those who stood on that stage to represent our charity’s exceptional audio work have lived experience of prison. We are so proud to work with these talented, incredible human beings who show up every day, share their stories, inspire others, challenge people’s perceptions of prison, and prove what those inside are capable of. Every day, they make themselves vulnerable to give others strength, and they really do help make the world a better place. As always, we dedicate these wins to people in prison everywhere. There is so much talent behind bars. We have so much proof of that.
Thank you to the Audio Production Awards for the recognition, and thank you to everyone who tunes in and believes in our work. We appreciate you so much.
To keep up 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
And if you would like to support our work in prisons and beyond, please donate to our Big Give campaign launching the 2nd of December: