The risks and regulations around prison journalism

(NATIONAL) Prison Journalism is becoming more popular with dozens of prison newspapers existing across the country. 

VNN previously reported on efforts by the Prison Journalism Project to empower journalists writing from behind bars. 

But how risky is prison journalism and where do restrictions exist?

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the Federal Bureau of Prisons is the only U.S. prison system that has an explicit ban on prison journalism. 

Four states including: Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas consider communication between inmates and the media to be privileged. 

This means that prison staff are not allowed to read or open mail between incarcerated people and members of the media. 

However, prison staff may search the correspondence for contraband while in the presence of the person incarcerated. 

Back in May, prison officials in New York introduced a policy that would ban prison journalism and not allow prison journalists to be paid for their work. 

New York Focus reported on the directive from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. 

After New York Focus brought the policy to light, it was rescinded. 

The Prison Policy Initiative says that prison journalism is one way to show the world the reality of what happens inside. 

Prison Journalists have the ability to give a perspective that is unique in a way that journalists on the outside cannot capture in the same way. 

Working as a journalist inside prison walls can be challenging because any books, notes, papers can be confiscated by officials during cell searches or transfers. 

The rise in journalism from inside prison walls has also led to some of these journalists being published in National News outlets. 

However, according to the Prison Policy Initiative fourteen states don’t allow incarcerated people to engage in business activities or receive compensation for work. 

Additionally, some state prisons only allow an incarcerated person to receive compensation for work that helps run the prison. 

Despite some of the risks of prison journalism, the Prison Policy Initiative sees it as an important way for the incarcerated to exercise free speech. 

Read more about Prison Journalism here.