The history of Prison Broadcasting Network
A Brief Summary...
Prison Broadcasting Network (PBN) was founded with just a CD-walkman in August 1999 with a vision to make a positive difference to offenders en-masse utilising radio programmes specifically tailored for offenders.
Truth Radio, as it became known, initially broadcast to 1,700 juveniles offenders through the internal intercom system in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre. Over the next few years a Sound Studio was established and broadcasts were extended to all 7,500 offenders in Pollsmoor. The sound studio was utilised to train offenders in music production and radio presenting.
Our radio broadcasts continued for 9 years until the intercom system broke down in August 2008 and it has since never been repaired. Fortunately, in January 2008 we launched our Television Production Training division and began training offenders in television production. We have continued to do so ever since.
The programmes they produce are then broadcast through the internal prison TV networks in order to make a positive difference to the greater prison population.
As far as we are aware, we are the only organisation in the world to house a radio station, sound studio and TV studio in a Correctional Centre.
We are now about to embark on the largest offender rehabilitation project of its kind in Africa. The very first Corrections Television Station! We currently await an endorsement from the National Commissioner of Correctional Services for this extension of our services.
With our 12 years experience of working in Correctional Centres daily and 11 years experience broadcasting (radio and TV programmes) specifically to offenders, we believe this won't just impact individual offenders, it will transform our nation!
VISION:
To be world leaders in offender rehabilitation and moral rejuvenation by creating prison cultures that change lives for the better.
MISSION:
We utilize radio and television in a meaningful and relevant way to positively impact offenders en-masse. This we do by removing negative media influences and replacing them with positive ones; including offenders and ex-offenders in the process through skills development and employment; and producing programmes by offenders for offenders.
SLOGAN / MOTTO:
Changing lives... saves lives!
CORE VALUES:
Accountability - Uncompromisingly ethical, accountable and transparent in the way we conduct our business.
Quality - Serving with excellence regardless of what resources we may or may not have
Diversity - Giving opportunities to all people regardless of race, sex, religion or political affiliation
Creativity - To be leaders in creating, developing and implementing new ideas
Risk-taking - To take calculated risks if they will benefit the greater community which we serve
Knowledge - Familiarising ourselves with our community's needs and continually positioning ourselves to provide them
Courage and Commitment - Persevering despite the obstacles, past failures or public opinion
Belief - Moral principles and family values based on Christian foundations are the building blocks for acceptable and sustainable living
Versatility - Changing with the times without compromising our values
Simply put, we live and breathe to make a difference to our nation!