The State of Arkansas attempted to execute eight men in an 11-day span in April 2017. The rapid pace, brought on by the imminent expiration of the lethal injection drugs, drew national and international attention to a correctional facility along a rural highway near a town of 523 people.
This semester, beginning four months later, I taught a special topic course on public relations, the press and public affairs at the University of Central Arkansas. We chose the executions as our local issue to examine, looking at the relationship between journalists, government institutions, and advocacy groups in framing and disseminating information to the public.
One of our goals was to communicate what we learned to the larger campus community. As I began to schedule possible guests, they were requesting the same dates. And so we decided to bring four broadcast journalists on the same day and hold a public forum. To my knowledge, it marks the first time since the executions that those witnessing and reporting on them have come together to speak about those experiences.
On Wednesday, November 15, we welcomed three witnesses – one from each of the TV news groups in Little Rock – and one public radio reporter who reported heavily on open-information struggles between media and the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The event was entirely prepared and implemented by students in the class. Their PR know-how secured a location and resources for the event, as well as promoted it on campus and to the surrounding community (here’s their news release; you’ll see some of the other materials below). Meanwhile, they used their journalistic skills to research the executions and the major players involved.
On the day of the forum, students handled everything from seating and administering extra credit to streaming, facilitating media covering the event, and moderating our panel.
It’s a proud day for a professor when all I have to do is invite the crowd to give them a hearty round of applause at the end of a job well done.
You can watch the archive of our Facebook Live stream here:
Thanks to some dedicated live tweeters, we have quite a collection of highlights from the event. Enjoy…
Note: If you have a particularly tough ad-blocker, you may need to disable it to see the pictures and videos accompanying the tweets.
Have an hour to spare Wednesday? Want to know what it's like to cover and witness #ARExecutions? @UCAComm students will moderate the conversation. Thanks for including me! pic.twitter.com/xuZyxAqZgY
— Jessi Turnure (@JessiTurnure) November 10, 2017
Happy to contribute to this important discussion! #arnews #arpx https://t.co/J7VcY16tjp
— Marine Glisovic KATV (@KATVMarine) November 10, 2017
A great lineup of talented reporters. Check it out if you can. #ARleg #ARpx https://t.co/l0N7ViLsHJ
— Andrew DeMillo (@ademillo) November 10, 2017
Arkansas journalists who covered this year’s executions in Arkansas will visit UCA Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 3-4 p.m. to discuss their experiences. https://t.co/TBorKFFjAI pic.twitter.com/Lja3j0g2uR
— University of Central Arkansas (@ucabears) November 13, 2017
A discussion on what it was like for these journalists to cover the #ARExecutions. Join us this Wednesday ⬇️ #PenaltyAndPress pic.twitter.com/gRYKmfUbKd
— Chris Bell-Davis (@CBecool) November 14, 2017
In just 30 minutes this important discussion begins on @ucabears campus! Come join the conversation. @KATVNews #arnews #arpx #arleg pic.twitter.com/d1AjygRHPQ
— Marine Glisovic KATV (@KATVMarine) November 15, 2017
LIVE THREAD: @JessiTurnure @MarineTV7 @kuarkauffman @david_lippman join @UCAComm students at @ucabears for "The Media and the Death Penalty in Arkansas" #ARexecutions #PenaltyAndPress pic.twitter.com/WFV24OjZkI
— Dylan McLemore (@voiceofD) November 15, 2017
I'm about to #Livetweet from UCA where local journalists have gathered to discuss the death penalty in AR. #DigiPRosF17 #ARExecutions
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
Hello everyone! Get ready to follow along as I live tweet these amazing speakers over the topic of the media & the death penalty #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 https://t.co/li6tcEZvKI
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
UCA students and a few of our guest speakers preparing for their appearance! #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/jgENQUZNCT
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
@KarmyBSmith making a journalism appearance recording the event! #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/gunAG7O0Em
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
Attending the open forum about the media coverage of the executions in AR in early 2017! #PenaltyAndPress #ARexecutions pic.twitter.com/umpWiahVEO
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
Currently attending the public forum about the executions taking place in Arkansas held by the School of Communication. pic.twitter.com/FgfZLME39Y
— Kennedye Hervey (@PublicistKen) November 15, 2017
Reaction over wanting to cover the story: “We didn’t necessarily know what our roles would be but we knew we would be assigned to it.” @david_lippman @THV11 #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
It’s starting! #PenaltyAndPress #ARExecutions pic.twitter.com/TPhZi9N1QE
— Chris Bell-Davis (@CBecool) November 15, 2017
A big UCA welcome to @david_lippman @KATVMarine @kuarkauffman @JessiTurnure #digiPRosF17 #ARExecutions pic.twitter.com/QgEPz3vwaw
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
I see you @KATVMarine https://t.co/kpzxbJFs4P
— Nick Genty (@KATVNICK) November 15, 2017
@JessiTurnure from @KARK4News @FOX16News says “how often do you get to jump at a chance at something like this?” when she knew she would be assigned. #digiPRosF17 #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
How often does a state put 8 men up for execution? What challenges come with being a reporter that has to cover execution? #PenaltyAndPress #ARExecutions
— Chris Bell-Davis (@CBecool) November 15, 2017
Media and the death penalty panel discussion happening now! Come to the ballroom in McCastlain! #arexecutions #penaltyandpress
— UCA CFAC (@UCA_CFAC) November 15, 2017
Fast Fact: There are 3 media witnesses allowed during executions. #digiPRosF17 #ARExecutions
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
“Before this instance, media weren’t even allowed to have a notebook, pen or pencil when witnessing executions.” #PenaltyAndPress #ARExecutions
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
Journalists talking with @ucabears students about covering #ARexecutions at this @UCAComm student-produced forum. pic.twitter.com/9pmWk9j4sV
— Dylan McLemore (@voiceofD) November 15, 2017
Replying to the question of “were there any challenges?” @KATVMarine @KATVNews says “wifi inside wasn’t working well, and having to run outside to tell your crew what was new on the inside was challenging.” #digiPRosF17 #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“It was like taking a step back in time.” [Communication aspects of prison and reporters] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
The media and the death penalty. Marine Glisovic expresses her difficulties with covering the recent 8 executions in 11 days in Arkansas. @UCAComm pic.twitter.com/l9w1sXqKuc
— Kennedye Hervey (@PublicistKen) November 15, 2017
@david_lippman “the spokespeople we had were good about coming up and explaining what was going on throughout those days.” @THV11 #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/Grkwvqepog
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“You has to be careful what you say/did around the BBC crew because they were filming a documentary about how we [Americans] still put people to death.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@KATVMarine discussed the importance of her relationships with the spokespeople of other institutions because it helped her easily gain the information she needed to report. #ARExecutions #digiPRosF17
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
Big thanks to @kuarkauffman, @JessiTurnure, @KATVMarine, and @david_lippman for being panelists at a forum put on by @UCAComm all about the recent executions in Arkansas. pic.twitter.com/ZBcOhTqXab
— ChristinaMunozMadsen (@ChristinaM716) November 15, 2017
“That’s an opinion and we don’t have opinions.” Reporter on question of how national media coverage effected Arkansas’ image. #ARexecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@kuarkauffman says that “the governor was very open about what was going on and the spokespersons were forthcoming.” @kuarpublicradio #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“72-73% of Arkansans favor capital punishment.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“The eyes and ears for the people during the execution.” @david_lippman #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Chris Bell-Davis (@CBecool) November 15, 2017
“It was the longest, yet quickest time of my life.” [On being a media witness during the execution] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@david_lippman @THV11 over the importance of being a journalist on the scene. #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/sTqmlsCSvI
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
Watch our #ARexecutions panel live: https://t.co/jgd42MlEpl
— Dylan McLemore (@voiceofD) November 15, 2017
@JessiTurnure @KARK4News @FOX16News says that “it is important for the media to be there so we can back up what is said and be a middle man.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“Quickest but longest 11 minutes I’ve ever experienced.” @KATVMarine #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Chris Bell-Davis (@CBecool) November 15, 2017
“The Media is a middle man between the ADC, the lawyers and the people.” [paraphrased] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“The day to day job teaches you how to prepare for this… to observe, record and repeat.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
Arkansas doesn’t record audio in the execution room. #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@JessiTurnure says “having to repeat everything over and over and just do the job hid the emotions I had until after the fact.” @KARK4News @FOX16News #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
@kuarkauffman @kuarpublicradio says “There are different ways the states handle it based on what the public can hear and can’t hear.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“We had to press to use pens, pencils, notebooks and laptops.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
Many states record the audio of it but Arkansas doesn’t. I️t was up to the media to report the facts. They had to press to bring in pen and paper. #MediaandtheDeathPenalty
— Kennedye Hervey (@PublicistKen) November 15, 2017
“There were 3 media witnesses verses the one person taking Jack Jones’ statement.” [paraphrased on why the media statement from Jack Jones was much longer than the ADC final statement] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“It was a struggle finding out where the drugs were being purchased from, I don’t think Arkansas is going to become anymore transparent.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@david_lippman @THV11 over controversy of recording what was said by a man being executed #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/8Ete4fbFAF
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“It’s in bad taste as a journalist.” [Answer to if journalists should join in protests while they cover specific events] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
It’s important to keep it simple when reporting. pic.twitter.com/MmfUMjH8Zt
— Kennedye Hervey (@PublicistKen) November 15, 2017
@KATVMarine said the rush to report accurate information to colleagues, the public, international and national news outlets acted as a barrier to the emotions of the #ARExecutions
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
The importance of media during #ARExecutions was to fully unbiasedly describe what happens before, during, and after the executions. #digiPRosF17
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
@KATVMarine and @david_lippman commenting whether national coverage of the #ARExecutions helped or hurt AR's reputation. #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/mVo8Oxl709
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
@david_lippman @thv11 replying to thoughts on joining public protests on either side while involved in certain case/event says “as a journalist you don’t get to involve yourself in those activities” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
S/O to @chandlerlanew for moderating #PenaltyAndPress at UCA. #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/bT9sxP3CUm
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
@KATVMarine @KATVNews “For me as a TV journalist it was just easier for me to be a robot and stick to what I had to share and avoid the emotions. You have to do your job and move on” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
@JessiTurnure's ideas on how to enhance transparency during #ARExecutions #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/EwIoxcgR3P
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
"You have to remember that not everyone who had terrible childhoods kill people" @JessiTurnure #ARExecutions #digiPRosF17
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
@JessiTurnure @KARK4News @FOX16News “It was hard making sure that you’re not biased and show the raw emotion from both sides.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
The ADC is just hard to communicate with, the only comparable transparency issues are with the Red Cross (Hurricane Harvey) and AR State Police (officer involved shootings). #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@kuarkauffman @kuarpublicradio over the topic of transparency “I find that senators offices are nearly unresponsive to what they want to talk about.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
Arkansas media stations used teamwork to cover #ARExecutions #digiPRosF17
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
“For me it was teamwork, until it was time for social media.” [Competition vs. teamwork of the press at the executions] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“I didn’t have to wear high heels, so I knew I would make it to the parking lot first.” [Competition vs. teamwork] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
UCA students in the crowd at #PenaltyAndPress taking pictures, listening, recording and live tweeting the event. #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/I9Bfs8cbqd
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
@chandlerlanew doing a great job as a moderator for the event. #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/cifVH3oCWW
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
@kuarkauffman @kuarpublicradio will this effect future decisions on executions in Arkansas- “I bet they won’t want to do as many because on the surface it’s stunning to everyone, even if they like it, because they’re killing a lot of people.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
"Message + Messenger = Impact" @david_lippman #ARExecutions #digiPRosF17
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
UCA students were given the opportunity to ask the featured journalists questions about the #ARExecutions #DigiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/AU730AKswf
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
“It depends on the subject and who the celebrity is and what kind of message they are trying to convey.” [Whether or not Johnny Depp took away from the death penalty conversation] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“Message plus messenger equals impact.” [On Johnny Depp’s speech at the AR Capitol about the death penalty] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“Message + Messenger= Impact” @david_lippman (On #JohnnyDepp at the #ARExecutions) #PenaltyAndPress
— Chris Bell-Davis (@CBecool) November 15, 2017
How difficult was it to be ‘politically correct’ in this situation? @KATVMarine @KATVNews “Stick to the facts and avoid biases-you will be labeled if only seen with one party/side.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
“Most people were really fascinated with what the last meal was.” #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
“[Being politically correct] Came into play especially on social media [during this time].” [On being politically correct during the executions] #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Rebecca Bailey (@_RebeccaAnn15) November 15, 2017
@voiceofD thanking the panelists and everyone who helped put the #PenaltyAndPress event on today. #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/1iHajzvjjt
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
Dr. McLemore @voiceofD the faculty advisor thanking our panelists as giving final address. #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/gFV7sJaGGx
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
Big thanks to the panelists and moderators at #PenaltyAndPress 🙌🏼 @david_lippman @KATVMarine @JessiTurnure @kuarkauffman pic.twitter.com/mwO4ymgNhh
— Taron Sullins (@Taron_Sullins) November 15, 2017
Thank you to @KATVMarine @kuarkauffman @JessiTurnure @david_lippman @chandlerlanew and Nick Bell for a great presentation! #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress #digiPRosF17 pic.twitter.com/slzGH0xF1C
— Keylen Bell (@keylenmackenzie) November 15, 2017
It was an honor to be part of this event at @ucabears this afternoon. https://t.co/8qj1hzebzU
— David Lippman THV11 (@david_lippman) November 15, 2017
It was my pleasure! What a great discussion. Loved the questions from both moderators and @ucabears students! https://t.co/5rAk00NyJS
— Marine Glisovic KATV (@KATVMarine) November 15, 2017
I was in awe of Marine's professionalism, having to witness the last executions but still being able to cover them the way she did. She's awesome
— Paul Swinebaum (@AugustusThe3rd) November 15, 2017
Thank you @kuarkauffman, @JessiTurnure, @MarineTV7, and @david_lippman for coming today! #ARExecutions #PenaltyAndPress
— Abby Anderson (@AbbbyAnderson) November 15, 2017
This was @david_lippman's line of the afternoon… https://t.co/MAXFFP3xcp
— Dylan McLemore (@voiceofD) November 15, 2017
Two seriously talented moderators in this photo. Excellent work, Chandler & Nick. https://t.co/VbdDfNy7sd
— Dylan McLemore (@voiceofD) November 15, 2017
Happy to help! Thanks again for the invite @voiceofD. Loved the discussion. Your @UCAComm students asked great questions! https://t.co/NJdjgzu8Cv
— Jessi Turnure (@JessiTurnure) November 16, 2017
Just got a really nice note from @UCAComm students for helping with a panel discussion about execution coverage a couple weeks ago. You're welcome! If y'all ever need anything, you know where to find me. pic.twitter.com/c5xEaB9WkE
— David Lippman THV11 (@david_lippman) December 6, 2017
dylan mclemore 