What if everything you knew about people who went to prison was shaped by fear—and not facts? Every night, the news shows mugshots, crime scenes, and harsh headlines. But it rarely shows the comeback stories. It almost never shows the healing, the growth, or the humanity. And that matters—because the stories we hear shape what we believe, and what we believe shapes how we treat people. At Revolutionary Reentry Hub, we believe it’s time to change the story.

The News Only Tells Half the Story: How Chicago’s Media Misses the Mark on System-Impacted People

By Revolutionary Reentry Hub

Narrative Justice 

Introduction

If you live in Chicago, you’ve likely seen headlines that sound something like this:

“Man with criminal record arrested after South Side shooting.”

These stories are short, dramatic, and everywhere. But they rarely tell the full story. And when all people see are mugshots and bad headlines, they start to believe that returning citizens are dangerous or broken.

The truth is much deeper—and more hopeful. But that truth often gets ignored. Here's how business-driven media decisions in Chicago are shaping public opinion, and what that means for our communities.

1. Crime Headlines Without Context

Local news outlets like WGN, CBS Chicago, and Fox 32 often publish crime briefs with mugshots. They’ll say someone has a “criminal history” but never follow up with what happened:

• Were the charges dropped?

• Was the person found innocent?

• Are they now working to rebuild their life?

That part rarely makes the news.

Why not? Because headlines about crime drive more clicks, and more clicks mean more ad money. Context and truth don’t sell as fast.

2. Neighborhoods Blamed, Not Systems

Neighborhoods like Englewood or Austin are often in the spotlight for violence—but not for their resilience.

Coverage rarely explains that these communities are dealing with:

• School closures

• Job deserts

• Generational disinvestment

And the voices of people trying to make a difference after incarceration? Almost never included.

Why? Because thoughtful, restorative storytelling takes time. And time is money.

3. Success Stories Left in the Shadows

When a person comes home from prison, starts a business, or mentors youth, you might hear about it from Block Club Chicago—but not on ABC7 unless it fits a feel-good holiday special.

One man opened a barbershop on 79th Street after 15 years incarcerated. He’s creating jobs, building community, and inspiring youth. But because resilience doesn’t shock people, it often doesn’t make the cut.

4. Crime TV Shapes Public Fear

Shows like Chicago P.D. blur the line between real life and fiction. They showcase nonstop policing and high-stakes crime, reinforcing the idea that Black and Brown men are threats.

The result?

• Viewers believe false stereotypes.

• Employers, landlords, and schools internalize that fear.

• System-impacted people face real barriers to opportunity.

Because what we watch shapes what we believe.

5. The Bright Spot: Community Media

There are some outlets doing it right. Block Club Chicago and Chicago Reader often highlight:

• Clean Slate campaigns

• Mutual aid efforts

• Stories of healing and transformation

These publications rely on readers and grants, not just corporate ads. That gives them more freedom to tell full stories—with depth, dignity, and hope.

Why It Matters

When the public only hears about the worst moments of someone’s life, that becomes their whole identity in the eyes of society.

This leads to:

• Housing discrimination

• Job rejections

• Limited access to education

• A loss of dignity and belonging

That cycle has to end.

We Can Tell a New Story

At Revolutionary Reentry Hub, we believe in telling the whole story—not just the mugshots, but the comebacks. Not just the past, but the potential.

Together, we can break the false narratives that keep our neighbors trapped in stigma.

🕊️ Let’s tell the truth. The full truth. The revolutionary truth.