Do Prisoners on Reality TV Shows Like 'Jailbirds' or 'Lock Up' Get Paid for Their Participation?

In the world of reality television, many shows feature contestants living in correctional facilities, with programs such as 'Jailbirds' and 'Lock Up' being prime examples. But a common question many viewers wonder is: do these inmates receive any form of payment for their participation on such shows?

The Minimal Compensation

Typically, inmates who participate in these reality TV shows do not receive traditional financial compensation. Instead, they might receive a small daily stipend or a nominal fee. This fee can vary from one show to another and from one production company to another. However, these payments are often so minimal that they cannot be considered significant financial incentives.

Other Forms of Incentive

While financial compensation is not a primary motivation for participating, there are other potential incentives. Many inmates have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences on these shows, which can provide them with a platform for self-expression and rehabilitation. Additionally, media exposure can lead to meaningful connections, such as interviews on talk shows, which can enhance personal branding and potentially open up new opportunities once they are released.

Case Examples: An Aunt and a Sister's Experiences

Let's take a closer look at the experiences of two individuals who have participated in such shows:

My Aunt on 'Strange Addictions'

My aunt, not by blood, was a participant on the show 'Strange Addictions.' She reported that she did not receive financial compensation for her time on the show. Additionally, she had to either quit her job or make arrangements with her employer for severance pay. Despite the lack of financial compensation, the exposure she received on the show led to further opportunities, such as interviews on various talk shows.

My Sister on 'Wife Swap' and Other Shows

My sister, on the other hand, participated in a 'Wife Swap' reality TV show and had a different experience. She was able to earn some money from the initial episode but not while she was incarcerated. The only earnings potential came from a follow-up episode taped after her release, where she might receive additional items on her book or phone calls home.

Legal Context and Compensation Rules

The legal circumstances surrounding compensation for inmates are complex. Inmates while incarcerated cannot be financially compensated for directly related items that pertain to the crime they committed. For example, if a serial killer writes a tell-all book about their exploits, they cannot receive direct compensation for that book. However, there are ways to make money from such content, such as through a tell-all book.

Legal Loopholes

The wording in the law concerning 'directly related' allows for some loopholes. This means that even though direct compensation is prohibited, other forms of earnings are possible. This can include earnings from media appearances, interviews, and additional book deals or phone calls home after release.

Understanding the legal context is essential when considering the participation of inmates in reality TV shows. While the compensation may not be significant during their incarceration, the potential for media exposure and other opportunities can provide valuable long-term benefits.