Digest

This episode of On Our Watch delves into the world of prison journalism, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of reporting from within a closed system. The episode features interviews with Reson New York Thomas, a producer for The Ear Hustle Podcast and founder of Empowerment Avenue, and Jesse Vasquez, former editor-in-chief of the San Quentin News and director of The Pauline Initiative. Reson shares his accidental journey into journalism, driven by a desire to edit his book and ultimately finding his passion in telling stories from within the prison walls. Jesse describes his own path, finding purpose in sharing stories and making a difference in the prison community. Both discuss the challenges of navigating the politics of a closed world, finding sources, and dealing with censorship. The episode also explores the importance of credibility in prison journalism, with both Reson and Jesse emphasizing the need for proof and documentation to back up stories, especially when dealing with allegations of misconduct. They also discuss the importance of building relationships with incarcerated individuals and understanding the impact of their reporting on their lives. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of prison journalism, with both Reson and Jesse expressing hope for a more inclusive and equitable world where incarcerated voices are valued and respected.

Outlines

00:00:00

Support for KQED Podcasts

This Chapter is a brief advertisement for SF MoMA, highlighting their upcoming exhibition "Art of Noise" and encouraging listeners to visit their website for tickets.

00:00:21

Introduction and Episode Overview

This Chapter introduces the episode and provides a brief overview of the topic: prison journalism. It also includes a trigger warning for listeners, as the episode references acts of violence.

00:00:36

The Journey to Prison Journalism

This Chapter features interviews with Reson New York Thomas and Jesse Vasquez, two journalists who started their careers inside prison. They discuss their individual journeys into journalism, the challenges they faced, and the rewards they found in telling stories from within the prison system.

00:01:10

The Prison Journalism Movement

This Chapter explores the revival of the prison journalism movement, highlighting the importance of incarcerated reporters in providing a voice for those inside the prison system. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges and opportunities of reporting from within a closed world.

00:14:06

Reporting on the Murder of Luis Giovanni Aguilar

This Chapter focuses on the murder of Luis Giovanni Aguilar, a case that was central to the On Our Watch podcast series. Reson, who served as an editorial consultant for the series, discusses the unusual circumstances surrounding the murder, particularly the fact that deadly force was not used by correctional officers despite the potential for violence.

00:17:39

Pitfalls of Prison Reporting

This Chapter delves into the ethical considerations and pitfalls of reporting on prisons and incarceration. Jesse, who has extensive experience in prison journalism, shares his insights on the importance of accuracy, the potential for harm, and the need for reporters to build relationships with incarcerated individuals.

00:25:24

Correctional Officers as Whistleblowers

This Chapter explores the role of correctional officers as whistleblowers, discussing the challenges they face in reporting misconduct within the prison system. The conversation also touches on the importance of building trust and understanding with correctional officers, recognizing them as individuals rather than simply sources for stories.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the challenges of reporting on prisons?

  Reporting on prisons can be incredibly difficult due to the closed nature of the environment, making it challenging to find sources, navigate the politics of the system, and deal with censorship. Additionally, reporters must be mindful of the potential impact their stories have on the lives of incarcerated individuals.

• What is the importance of credibility in prison journalism?

  Credibility is paramount in prison journalism, as incarcerated individuals often face skepticism and distrust from the outside world. Reporters must be diligent in verifying information, providing evidence to support their claims, and building trust with their sources to ensure the accuracy and integrity of their reporting.

• How can prison journalism contribute to a more just and equitable society?

  Prison journalism plays a vital role in promoting accountability and transparency within the prison system, giving voice to those who are often marginalized and silenced. By sharing stories of injustice, highlighting systemic issues, and advocating for reform, prison journalism can contribute to a more just and equitable society for all.

• What are some of the ethical considerations that reporters should be mindful of when reporting on prisons?

  Reporters should be mindful of the potential for harm to incarcerated individuals when reporting on their stories. They should prioritize accuracy, avoid sensationalism, and consider the long-term consequences of their reporting on the lives of those they interview.

• What are some of the ways that the prison journalism movement is evolving?

  The prison journalism movement is evolving with the increasing demand for incarcerated voices and the growing recognition of the importance of their perspectives. More incarcerated individuals are finding opportunities to work as journalists, and organizations are increasingly seeking out their expertise and insights.

• What are some of the key takeaways from this episode about prison journalism?

  This episode highlights the importance of prison journalism in providing a voice for those inside the prison system, holding the system accountable, and promoting a more just and equitable society. It also emphasizes the need for credibility, ethical reporting, and building relationships with incarcerated individuals to ensure the accuracy and impact of their stories.

• What are some of the challenges that incarcerated journalists face in getting their stories published?

  Incarcerated journalists often face challenges in getting their stories published due to skepticism about their credibility, concerns about potential harm to individuals, and limitations imposed by prison authorities. They may also struggle to find outlets willing to publish their work and to gain recognition for their journalistic skills.

• How can we support the work of prison journalists?

  We can support the work of prison journalists by seeking out and consuming their stories, advocating for their rights and opportunities, and supporting organizations that promote prison journalism. We can also encourage media outlets to give more space and attention to incarcerated voices and to recognize their valuable contributions to the field of journalism.

• What are some of the ways that prison journalism can help to change the culture of prisons?

  Prison journalism can help to change the culture of prisons by promoting dialogue, raising awareness about systemic issues, and fostering a sense of community and shared humanity. By giving voice to those inside the prison system, prison journalism can help to create a more humane and just environment for all.

Show Notes