SABC3 Special Assignment on Prison Broadcasting Network inside Pollsmoor Prison - 2009

Special Assignment, an investigative journalism TV series, broadcast on South Africa's National TV Channel SABC3 for decades.

The Senior Producer for Special Assignment, Hazel Friedman, was a volunteer with Prison Broadcasting Network for 3 years. This programme was instrumental in showcasing the work done by Prison Broadcasting Network to the nation.

For further information or to explore setting up a similar project, contact [email protected].
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Prison Broadcasting Network had exclusive permission from the Department of Correctional Services to film in Pollsmoor Prison on a daily basis. All offenders who appear in these videos signed indemnity forms allowing their identity to be shown publicly.

However, we understand the sensitive nature and implications that being an "ex-offender" may carry for some. Should any ex-offender (or offender) no longer wish to appear in these videos, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] and we will gladly remove the video or re-edit it to obscure your identity.
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Prison Broadcasting Network (PBN), founded in 1999, was a pioneering initiative that used media-based programs to rehabilitate and upskill offenders, reduce recidivism and promote personal transformation.

PBN housed the world’s first radio station, sound studio, and TV studio inside a prison. And selected offenders received skills and personal development training in radio, music, and television production within Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town for 14 years.

The Radio and TV programmes produced by offenders were then broadcast to approximately 8,000 offenders in Pollsmoor Prison - sharing positive messages created BY offenders, FOR offenders.

80% of offender participants never returned to prison. One founded what has become a very well-known and successful music academy - Bridges for Music Academy - https://bridgesformusic.org

However, in 2013 the organisation was shut down by the new Head of Pollsmoor citing Pollsmoor becoming an awaiting-trial detention centre (where offenders do not receive rehabilitation).

This decision was challenged by Prison Broadcasting Network over the course of the next two years. And despite the intervention and public promises announced by the Minister of Correctional Services - broadcast on all South Africa's National TV Channels, (view here -    • 2013 June - Correctional Services Minister...  ), to not only reinstate its services, but to fund and expand their project nationally, these commitments were never honoured.

Prison Broadcasting Network was completely self-funded for its entire 14-year existence. It received no funding from Government nor Correctional Services and any suggestion that it closed down due to lack of funding are unfounded and untrue.

PBN would still be running today in 2025 had it not been forced to close down. And as a result, thousands of offenders lost the opportunity to be positively impacted daily by programmes created BY offenders FOR offenders, whilst being locked up for 23 hours in their cells.

Was all lost, or could this project be reignited in other countries that wish to see offenders reformed?

Contact [email protected] to ignite this project in your Correctional Centre.