1. What is the #AIRS Campaign?

The #AIRS Campaign (Abolish Incarcerated Reality Shows), led by America On Trial Inc., is a national coalition working to end the exploitation of incarcerated people, formerly incarcerated and their families in reality TV and true crime media. These programs turn incarceration into entertainment—profiting from human suffering while reinforcing harmful stereotypes. We organize for dignity, accountability, and ethical media practices.

2. Why is this harmful?

Reality shows like 60 Days In and Jailbirds cause harm by:

• Exploiting participants without meaningful consent or compensation

• Distorting reality by focusing on drama instead of systemic issues

• Reinforcing stereotypes that dehumanize incarcerated people

• Normalizing incarceration as entertainment

3. What is the “Carceral Entertainment Complex”?

We define this as a growing media system that profits from incarceration through reality TV and true crime. These programs operate without ethical standards, shaping public perception while deepening stigma and harm—especially for Black, Brown, and marginalized communities.

4. What are our goals?

The #AIRS Campaign is working to:

• End exploitative incarceration-based programming

• Advance ethical media standards rooted in consent and dignity

• Promote fair compensation and protections for participants

• Redirect resources to support reentry and impacted communities

• Build public awareness and accountability across the media industry

5. What impact have we made?

Through grassroots organizing and coalition pressure, the #AIRS Campaign has contributed to growing scrutiny of incarceration-based media and helped push the removal of shows like 60 Days In and Inmate to Roommate. This demonstrates that public pressure can shift media practices.

6. Why is this urgent?

These shows reach global audiences and shape how millions of people understand incarceration. They reinforce stigma, influence policy narratives, and make it harder for people returning home to rebuild their lives. As this industry grows, so does the harm.

7. Who leads this work?

The #AIRS Campaign is led by formerly incarcerated people, families, advocates, and organizers directly impacted by these systems. Our work is grounded in lived experience—not media narratives.

8. Who do we work with?

We collaborate with a national coalition of 25+ organizations across 32 states, including groups focused on justice reform, education, and community organizing. Together, we build power, share resources, and coordinate advocacy.

9. What resources do we offer?

• Educational reports on media exploitation

• Organizing toolkits and advocacy guides

• Screenings, workshops, and public education events

• Documentary storytelling grounded in lived experience

10. How can you take action?

• Sign the petition to end exploitative programming

• Share the campaign using #AIRS

• Attend events, screenings, or workshops

• Contact networks and demand accountability

• Support the campaign through donations

Join the Movement

Ending the exploitation of incarcerated people in media is a fight for dignity, truth, and justice. Together, we can challenge the systems that profit from harm and build a more accountable media landscape.