NGAARDA MEDIA CEO VISITS NATIONAL PRISON RADIO IN THE UK
Tangiora Hianki outside Brixton Prsion, London
BY ASAD KHAN
In an inspiring visit, Tangiora Hinaki, CEO of Ngaarda Media, had the opportunity to meet Phil McGuire, the CEO of National Prison Radio (NPR). Since the early 1990s, NPR has been a pioneering force in broadcasting within UK prisons, reaching approximately 85,000 inmates.
The organization is committed to aiding individuals in overcoming the trauma and circumstances that led to their incarceration.
She was particularly impressed by NPR's radio studio space, where dedicated staff work diligently to produce empowering programs that help inmates develop essential skills for their futures.
Tangiora Hinaki pictured with Phil McGuire, the CEO of National Prison Radio (NPR)
Mr McGuire said there were deaths in custody, there were high incidents of self-harm and suicide, there was racial tension and the prison was in the news a lot for the wrong reasons.
He said there were two people who lived close to the prison and both of them felt like the prison was part of the community.
“One of them was really motivated to do something to help the prison and he initially came up with this idea of a radio station,”
During her visit, Ms Hinaki toured the historic Brixton Prison, which has been operational for over 200 years.
Former prisoner and a Somali British man Ali also shared with Tangiora his experience in the prison system and how his passion for music. kept him sane inside the prison.
“ I was just, I was addicted to music and I just loved making music and whatnot, and then when I went inside prison, I found out there was a radio station
He said he made two seasons in Covid times when prisoners did not get much outdoor time and he kicked off a healthy show with inspirational and motivational interviews.
A memorable aspect of her visit was lunch at ‘The Clink,’ a unique restaurant within the prison where inmates serve meals to the public.
Dressed in sharp grey aprons, the inmates warmly welcomed Ms Hinaki and her guests to a beautifully set table—complete with wine glasses, albeit with plastic cutlery.
This initiative provides inmates with valuable culinary training while offering the public insight into the rehabilitation efforts taking place behind bars.
“Everyone involved in the NPR project exudes passion, significantly impacting the reoffending cycle,” Ms Hinaki reflected.
The radio room features two small studios where inmates are trained in radio production, allowing them to share their stories and acquire valuable skills.
Notably, Ms Hinaki observed photographs of esteemed UK figures who have visited the prison and been interviewed by inmates, highlighting the program's reach and influence.
NPR has garnered national awards for its popular podcasts and innovative projects. Recently, they launched a space for radio broadcasting outside prison grounds, where former inmates are employed to produce flagship programs, including a breakfast show. This approach exemplifies the potential for media to facilitate healing and reintegration into society.
Motivated by NPR's achievements, Ngaarda Media is excited to announce that they have received funding from Rio Tinto to establish a small radio room within Roebourne Regional Prison.
This initiative marks the beginning of a transformative journey, with Hinaki expressing enthusiasm for collaboration with National Prison Radio.
“By providing inmates with a platform to share their stories and develop valuable skills, we can help break the cycle of reoffending and empower individuals to build brighter futures,” she said.
As Ngaarda Media embarks on this meaningful journey, updates on the project will be shared, showcasing the potential impact of media in the realm of rehabilitation.