TRUTH RADIO

Truth Radio (formerly known as P.R.S.1) was launched in August 1999 with just a CD-walkman. Initially programmes were produced by outside volunteers and broadcast live at night to some 1,700 juvenile offenders in Pollsmoor Prison.

In 2004 our broadcasts were extended to all 7,000 offenders in Pollsmoor and we enrolled our first intake of offender students in RADIO PRODUCTION. They then became the main presenters of TRUTH RADIO. As offenders are locked up during our nightly broadcasts, all their training and programme preparation is done during the day. Their pre-recorded programmes are then broadcast at night with the assistance of volunteers.

Skills development in radio production includes: script-writing for radio; microphone techniques; music selection; and programme compilation. In some instances our training also had to include basic computer literacy as many of our students hadn't even switched on a computer before.

But the skills they learn do much more than teach them to be radio jocks. It builds their confidence, enhances their reading and writing abilities, and gives them a voice - much needed elements for healing, restoration, rehabilitation and job creation. Life-skills training, ministry and counselling are also included in all our training programmes.

In line with our ultimate objective of MORAL REJUVENATION, our students are encouraged to produce RELEVANT and POSITIVE programmes. Drudging up past crimes and negative circumstances is discouraged and even the music played is specifically sourced not to include any derogatory or defammatory lyrics.

In 2007 we installed an internet server with the ability to broadcast our radio programmes to every prison in the country, and even globally. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get permission from Correctional Services and this never got off the ground.

The radio station is currently inactive as the intercom system in Pollsmoor is in desperate need of repairs. As this is Correctional Services' responsibility we cannot say when it will be up and running again, but when we do go on air again, you will know about it. In the meantime, we have our hands full with the Television Division.

For further history on the radio station, click here...