As the date of Oscar Smith's execution approaches, strict media guidelines have been issued by the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). Journalists planning to cover the event, scheduled for May 22, at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI), are required to RSVP by Friday, according to an announcement from TDOC. The execution has attracted significant attention, and with it comes a meticulous orchestration of media activity by state officials.
There are designated areas for media personnel, including the RMSI parking lot and an adjacent public area. Despite the importance of covering such a weighty event, the state has made it clear that roads on or adjacent to the property will be clear of people and vehicles, and no broadcasting from other TDOC sites in the Cockrill Bend area will be granted. Those wishing to report from the scene must be checked in by 8:00 a.m. CST on the day, with a hard stop for entry at 8:30 a.m. CST. Space in the area is limited, and while an RSVP secures consideration for admission, it does not guarantee it.
Once on site, reporters are to wear special media identification badges, issued during the check-in process. These badges must be visibly worn at all times and are to be surrendered upon leaving the RMSI parking lot. After the execution and the ensuing press conference, the media should vacate the premises within an hour, and a 72-hour moratorium on reporting from prison property is set to follow, as detailed by TDOC.
It is noteworthy that interviews with TDOC staff involved in the execution are off-limits. According to the guidelines, "Interviews with any TDOC staff involved in the execution plan, prior to or after the execution, are prohibited." The only point of contact for information about the execution is the TDOC Director of Communications or a designated proxy. The guidelines are explicit, clarifying that media requests made directly to the prison will not receive a response, and any violations may lead to revoked access, as per the TDOC release.
For those used to smoking on the job, be warned: the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is reminding everyone that smoking is strictly prohibited on all prison property. Reporters who break the rules could be asked to leave. As Oscar Smith’s final days unfold, state officials are keeping tight control over media coverage, shaping the story on their terms.
