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A Public Affair: The Media’s Role in Presidential Conventions

Posted on by mbarrera

Historically the annual party conventions showcase each of the major parties respectively within a timeframe dedicated to generating party along with candidate support. As media and technology have progressed the strategies utilized by both parties have as well.

Historic Role of Media

The role of media can be traced back to the 1844 Democratic convention when the new advancement of communication technology ie. the telegraph was used to announce James Polk’s nomination. This invention allowed the media to instantly share news in-time and advanced communication between politicians.

From the telegraph came the radio and by 1924 conventions were able to be live-streamed for the first time ever. For people across America, the ability to have an uncensored listen to their party’s convention was historic. In 1929 President Franklin D. Roosevelt infamously nominated Alfred E. Smith in his remarks to the Democratic National Convention. This speech famously utilized the phrase “happy warrior” coupled with his knowledge to fully utilizes the radio to speak to the country.

By 1940 the first convention to be televised was aired covering the Republican Party in Philadelphia. While it’s still unknown if there were two separate feeds of this convention it’s suggested at the time there were two major feeds of the convention between a local station known as Philco and a station now known as NBC. This newer technology also marked the ability to broadcast at a record distance marked at 1,800 miles away. By 1952 the Republican convention highlighted the first nationally televised convention and the Democratic convention followed at a later date. Additional advancement within television allowed networks the ability to see over crowds and broadcast a clearer picture of real-time action.

Modern Mainstream Media

The transition to mass media can be seen at conventions which are pre-rehearsed performances that each party holds.  NPR’s David Folkenflik segment, All Things Considered, notes the biggest commercial networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS) dedicate utmost an hour to convention coverage leaving cable networks to take hold of the mass coverage. This transition from convention coverage by traditional media has made room for social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Looking back at the 2016 election the Pew Research Center notes in January 2016 “…44% of U.S. adults reported having learned about the 2016 presidential election in the past week form social media, outpacing both local and national print newspapers”.         Furthermore, if we take a glance at the 2016 conventions according to USA TODAY between both the Republican and Democratic convention 8,500 hours were streamed through Facebook live. Convention coverage that was once controlled by only a few and accessible by some has become a worldwide access point across a multitude of mediums.

Media During a Pandemic?

            However, our country is not in “normal” times, and during a worldwide pandemic, the question still looms how each party will respectively hold their convention. The Democratic convention will be held over the course of three days, August 17th through the 20th. There will be virtual volunteer training taking place, a multitude of caucus meetings along with the announcement of Joe Biden’s vice-presidency pick.

With regard to the Republican convention, the plans have shifted from an in-person convention to virtual. Similar to its Democratic counterpart the GOP convention will consist of virtual programs and it’s suspected prominent members of the Trump family will participate. To comply with the RNC executive committee COVID-19 ruling a total of six delegates will be representing each state and U.S. territory with the others voting through a proxy. Notably on

August 1st reports surfaced that the Republican convention would be closed to the press. While the RNC was quick to shut down these reports and urge that no decision has been finalized this would mark a historic turning point in convention history. As we approach each parties’ respective convention it’s another reminder there is nothing ordinary about this election cycle. The ability for adaption and change could be beneficial but ultimately until we have the data following November we will have to settle for the unknown.

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