What Is Media Access To Prison

The media’s portrayal of prison and life behind the walls can be negative, the actions and motivates by staff has become distorted, vague and most often one-sided. The world of prisons are usually kept out of the public eye, very few know little about the direct experiences of prison life. Strict limitations should be in place for media and their request to gain access to the facility and prisoners. The public has a limited right to access the prison system, and the U. S. Supreme court has ruled consistently that the media has no right beyond that (media access to prisons, n.d.). The restrictions have been justified by prison administrators and the interest of security, without the lack of constitutional guarantee of access , state law or policy of prisons may grant members of the media inside the walls to interview inmates (media access to prisons, n.d.).

The presence of official channels are slim when the channels are in place access can still be denied. Prison officials feel that media presence pose a security risk, the journalist will need security as they navigate their way through the institution. Many officials feel the publicity from the media could do more harm than good. When media is attempting to gain access to prison facilities they should know the policy of the particular prison before they approach prison officials. The first responsibility of any administrator is the safety and security of the prison facility and the prisoners. The responsibility for safety will often have conflicting views when granting the request by the