Colorado Launches Statewide Prison Newspaper Program for Incarcerated Writers
A new statewide prison newspaper program, called Mercury Mountain Media, has launched in Colorado. This program, run by the nonprofit Unbound Authors, offers incarcerated individuals in Colorado's 21 prisons a platform to publish their writing, including news reports, personal essays,…

Seattle Tacoma, WA, August 17, 2026 —
A new initiative aimed at providing a platform for creative expression within the Colorado correctional system has been launched statewide. Known as Mercury Mountain Media, the program is designed to offer incarcerated individuals across the state’s 21 prisons an opportunity to publish their written work.
The program is operated by the nonprofit organization Unbound Authors. Through Mercury Mountain Media, participants will be able to submit a range of written content, including news reports, personal essays, and various creative writing pieces. The goal is to provide an outlet for literary and journalistic endeavors within the prison system.
Unbound Authors, the nonprofit facilitating this program, focuses on empowering individuals through writing. The Mercury Mountain Media initiative extends this mission by specifically targeting the incarcerated population in Colorado, offering them a tangible way to share their perspectives and stories.
The program’s launch signifies a commitment to exploring new avenues for engagement and development for those within correctional facilities. By establishing a dedicated platform for publication, Mercury Mountain Media aims to foster a sense of community and provide valuable experience for the participating writers.
Story summarized from the original created by Cascade PBS Staff on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.