The Texas Department of Criminal Justice allows approved media witnesses to view state executions.

I’m trying to get approved to become an approved/credentialed media witness for state executions and offender interviews. I think I’m in for an uphill fight, though.

Here are their guidelines for approving media representatives:

VIII. Witnessing Executions

A. Media representatives who wish to witness an execution are required to submit their request no later than three (3) business days prior to the scheduled execution. Requests must be prepared on official media outlet letterhead and faxed to the Huntsville PIO.

B. Preference to witness an execution shall be given to media outlets located in the area where the capital crime was committed.

C. A representative from the Associated Press (AP) and a representative from the Huntsville Item are guaranteed an opportunity to witness each execution.

D. Media representatives from outside Texas may submit a request to witness an execution. The PIO or designee shall have the final authority to approve or deny the request.

E. For the purpose of witnessing executions, the Agency does not recognize college or university newspaper reporters as media.

There is nothing in their policy that I can find that stipulates that the media witnesses must be members of the traditional media. However, talking with the head of the Victim Services division, he believes that they only approve “traditional” media representatives.

Here’s the letter I just sent to Michelle Lyons, the Public Information Officer for TDCJ:

My name is Robbie Cooper, and I am a professional writer and blogger from Austin, TX.

I have been writing about the death penalty, the offenders on death row, and victims of their crimes for over 3 years. I am writing to inquire about the process of becoming an approved/credentialed media witness/representative for state executions and offender interviews.

I understand that the TDCJ has traditionally only credentialed “traditional” media representatives; I am seeking credentialing as a Texas blogger and a practitioner of citizen journalism.

While I understand that this might be a new direction for the TDCJ to consider, I hope you will give my request thoughtful consideration based on the following:

1) From your office: “Those reporters soon discover what Texas media have known all along. The Department of Criminal Justice has moved from the early days of western lore into the 21st Century, becoming a highly professional, cutting-edge operation that is both effective and affecting.”

Citizen Journalism and the credentialing of bloggers is continuing and furthering your offices commitment to moving your services into the 21st century as numerous bloggers are already being credentialed for traditional media roles (the Republican and Democratic National Convention, as well as the White House Press Corps are now giving media credentials to bloggers).

As one of Austin’s most prominent bloggers, I would like to expand citizen journalism into the TDCJ.

2) Viewing the media witness list from the last 406 state executions, the overwhelming majority of executions were witnessed by less than the 5 credentialed media witnesses that your department currently allows.

I see a a gap in coverage that can be filled by experienced and professional bloggers, thus allowing access to this information to a greater number of Texans.

As for my experience and qualifications:

• BS in Professional Writing — University of Houston, Downtown
• 12 years experience as a technical writer in the Government and Defense industry (currently hold a Secret security clearance)
• 4 years experience writing and managing one of the most prominent blogs in Austin, TX (Urbangrounds.com)

I would appreciate the opportunity to work with your office and the TDCJ in order to become an approved/credentialed media witness. Your consideration and assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Robbie Cooper

I’m not optimistic about them approving me — or even considering the idea of allowing bloggers. But it’s a thought. If they don’t, I’ll have to find a way to get a “traditional” paper or media source to “credential” me.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Posted by Robbie Cooper on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 | Trackback |