HMP Brixton radio station wins top awards - 12 May 09

The HMP Brixton station Electric Radio Brixton (ERB) won four prestigious Sony National Radio Awards – the radio industry's top awards ceremony – on Monday night (11 May).

The station received gold awards in both the listener participation and community categories, and bronze awards in the interview and speech categories.

Brixton Governor Paul McDowell, who attended the ceremony in London, said:

"I'm delighted that we've received this recognition for the work we're doing at Brixton. The success of the station is thanks to all of the staff at the prison, every one of whom has played a part in this achievement.

"ERB has been useful in communicating key resettlement and education based messages about services available to prisoners at Brixton.

"We think the programming reflects the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of the community we are serving, so the community category was a great one for us to win. The same goes for the listener participation category, as the award reflects the work we've done to communicate important messages regarding the resettlement agenda.

"We welcome the opportunity to display the positive work we're doing, and after an evening in the limelight we have returned to our core business of maintaining security and safety at Brixton prison."

Justice Minister David Hanson said:

"I congratulate the Prison Radio Association on their achievements at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. This approved programming is made by and for prisoners tackling issues such as offending behaviour and addiction. It's clear their work is not only having an impact on prisoners, but can stand alongside professional broadcasts.

"The Prison Radio Association will provide the day-to-day running of the new National Prison Radio Service. Their work is a valuable addition to the education and training we provide in prison to reduce re-offending and help prisoners towards playing a constructive part in their communities."

Director General Phil Wheatley said:

"This is good news for HMP Brixton and for the Service as a whole. The recognition of the positive and progressive work that is going on within prison radio is welcome, and helps to highlight the some of the innovative efforts going into reducing reoffending and protecting the public across the Service. My congratulations go to all those who have helped make ERB the success it is."