'Last Week Tonight' Blasts 'Terrible' Prison Calling Rates
Comedian John Oliver criticized CenturyLink, GTL, Inmate Calling Solutions and Securus Sunday for charging high rates for inmate calling services. The complaint came as part of a larger condemnation on HBO’s Last Week Tonight of the economics of the current…
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U.S. prison apparatus and its effect on inmates’ families. “One in three families reported going into debt to pay for phone calls or visitation, which is terrible,” Oliver said, referencing a 2015 report led by the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. "And that doesn't really set up a prisoner for success once they are released.” Oliver also criticized jails and prisons for often taking “a cut of the proceeds” from ICS providers. Former FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn praised Oliver for “highlighting #InmateCalling injustice.” Crime “indeed does pay ... for everyone except the #incarcerated (and families),” Clyburn tweeted Monday. “Those who fight #PhoneJustice help only a few $$$. The rest of us suffer.” MediaJustice highlighted the segment in an email to supporters. The email also touted the June introduction of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act (S-1764), which would affirm the FCC's ability to use its procedures and authority to address inmate calling rates (see 1906120076).