“What’s on TV can be a lot of junk TV that’s kind of perpetuating bad behaviors,” Bailey said. “So we want to redeem that time.”
About $30,000 has been raised in donations. The goal is to raise another $35,000 by July 1 and the remainder before the end of the year, Bailey said. The $100,000 budget will cover the cost of video equipment, production of some local shows and distributing interactive material to the inmates.
Miguel Ten, who has helped fund Key Vision and has served as a jail chaplain for three years, said he was skeptical when Bailey first shared the idea.
“ I thought he was reaching for the stars,” Ten said. “And now that it’s actually happening, it’s incredible.”
Many others are getting involved in the project now, Bailey said. Participation will be optional for inmates.
“We want to pave the road to the inmates and try to get the community to help them in various ways,”
About 90 percent of Key Vision broadcasts would be existing content, Bailey said, such as movies like “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Pay It Forward,” as well as shows like ESPN’s “30 for 30,” and content from A&E and TED Talks.
The other 10 percent will consist of locally produced programs that cover topics including how to beat addiction, how to get a job or GED and how to reach out to local organizations that can help.
“Most folks that are in poverty would rather not introduce themselves to new places and new things, but that’s exactly what they do need,” Bailey said. “Hopefully these videos will get them more comfortable with that.”
The inmates would also be given the opportunity to act out real-life problems and solutions on the broadcasts, Bailey said.
People often lose sight of how powerful and influential media can be, said Daniel Gummel, creative director for Key Vision.
“We want to create a platform where we are empowering and motivating these guys,” he said.
The owner of the building across the street from the jail gave them two offices free of charge, Bailey said. One office is used for broadcasting, and the other for filming and production.
“We’re just starting to scratch the surface,” Bailey said, “and I think we have good things in store.”
For more information, contact Bailey at 937-521-2079 or ccjailchap@gmail.com.
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