Is MSNBC's 'Lockup' in Hamilton County jail journalism?

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The MSNBC reality TV series "Lockup" debuts its Hamilton County jail series tonight at 10 p.m., but not without controversy.

Several top county officials, including county commissioners and representatives of the prosecutor's office, were consulted about the show last year and warned that it would be a bad idea.

But Sheriff Jim Neil is satisfied with how the series turned out. Neil decided participating in the show would be a good opportunity to share with the public what goes on inside the jail.

An investigation into how the series came to the jail revealed MSNBC sought out Neil.

Additionally, MSNBC says no one was paid for interviews. The show is considered a news program, produced by NBC's news group, according to the network.

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