HOST A RADIO PROGRAM “Communication as a Human Right”
Communication as a Human Right
Communication is a human right. Yet millions of people languish behind bars in our nation’s prisons cut off from their families and communities due to restrictive policies and exorbitant telephone fees that make communication for many of our most vulnerable communities impossible.
In this 21st century digital age, we would all agree that wireline or wireless phones are a vital part of our communication system and something many of us take for granted. Prisoners are increasingly incarcerated far from home and phones become the only way to stay in touch. People in prison may often only call collect, and loved ones who accept the calls must accept the terms dictated by the chosen phone company. Families can be forced to spend hundreds of dollars on a weekly one-hour phone call, due to exorbitant rates set by the phone companies chosen to serve prisons. Typically, states receive kickback commissions from the phone companies. Unsurprisingly rates for such calls are well above market rates, as much as $6 per minute or more.
What are the communication challenges facing our communities incarcerated and their families? How are they being addressed? What is the broader impact? Why should we be concerned about prisoner communication rights? What is at stake?
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