Colorado launches U.S.’ first inmate-run statewide prison radio station

This month, a detention center in Colorado launched a first-in-the-nation statewide prison radio station run and hosted by inmates.

On March 1, inmates at Limon Correctional Facility in eastern Colorado aired the first broadcast of a new radio station created, run, and hosted by inmates at prisons in the state and available to listeners around the world. 

Inside Wire: Colorado Prison Radio, is intended to change the narrative about the people housed in Colorado’s prisons, according to the station’s creator.

“This is about making prison more humane,” said Dean Williams, executive director of the state’s Department of Corrections. There are more than 14,000 prisoners in Colorado prisons currently, and the radio station will serve as a way for them to share their stories and talents.

Anthony Quintana, who is serving a 33 year sentence for murder, says the radio project has invigorated him. “The connection back to the community gives us value as human beings again,” said Quintana.

The program was created by Denver University in partnership with the Department of Corrections. Initially intended as a one-time, closed circuit broadcast to all Colorado prisons, the creators realized they could expand on the idea. “This is a truly monumental moment,” said Ashley Hamilton, founder of the university’s Prison Arts Initiative.