The ultimate captive ad audience – prison inmates
October 7, 2009 by Dave Haynes
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s office in Punta Gorda, Florida has re-defined the whole notion of a captive advertising audience. The Corrections Division is selling ads for lawyers and bail bonds companies on the video visitation screens it has for inmates and visitors.
According to Assistant Bureau of Corrections Commander Captain Earl Goodwyne, “These video terminals offer the opportunity to place advertisements that will be viewed by inmates and visitors. The ads have potential for over 500 viewers per day from the in-custody audience and an additional 25 screens available for visitors. There are six video visitation hours daily offering 150 potential, non-custody viewers. We believed it may be a first in the nation.
“Advertisements will have a potential audience of over 55,000, non-custody, viewers annually. The ads will be a still-frame shot that will air for 2 minute intervals. The frame will repeat 24 hours per day; however, the prime viewing hours for the visitors will be from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pricing for the ads are based on these prime viewing hours and will offer a minimum of seven showings.
“The ad cost is 60¢ per two minute time frame for 365 days of advertisement, or a total cost for one looped ad will be $1,533 per year. Currently there are 50 available ad spaces available and ad spaces will be sold on a first come priority. Funds collected from this ad program are returned to the Inmate Welfare Fund.”
The CCSO Jail video visitation building has 25 viewing screens for visitors and four private rooms for attorneys to talk to their inmate clients. Ads on screen now also include addiction services, public defender, jail information, and are available to other services of interest for inmates and visitors. Those wanting more information on terms and conditions of the contract should contact Lt. Norm Wilson at 941-833-6366.
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