Prison Broadcasting Network shut down, support needed

PBN began with a portable CD-player and became what is reportedly the world's only organisation and ministry that produces programmes by offenders for offenders and houses a radio station, sound studio and TV studio in a prison.

Marius Boaden, founder and CEO, challenges the ruling, citing the following reasons:

1. The prison still retains sentenced offenders for specific tasks and could merely add the station's offender students to this group
   
2. That its current students are still in Pollsmoor
   
3. That the broadcast of the programmes produced by offenders for offenders is not dependent on the category of offenders in a prison, and
   
4. That the broadcast of our relevant tailor-made programmes are one of the very few means available to impact awaiting trial detainees - who do not receive any rehabilitation
   

The organisation has tried to reason that if its services in television production and broadcasting are no longer required, it could revert to one of the other services it has provided in the past such as radio presenting; music production; basic computer literacy and ministry/counselling.

Boaden asks that following this decision, taken on 24 February 2012, that letters of support be sent to:

• az.vog.op@tnediserp - President Jacob Zuma
  
• az.vog.scd@agnanabM.obawnoS - Minister of Correctional Services Spokesperson
  
• az.vog.scd@enayoM.moT - National Commissioner of Correctional Services
  
• az.gro.tsacdaorbnosirp@ofni - Prison Broadcasting Network

Other prisons

The organisation has already approached other prisons in the region that may give it better support than that received in Pollsmoor. It is currently awaiting their response. It is also looking into the possibilities of working with ex-offenders outside the prison walls.

For more, go to www.prisonbroadcast.org.za.