The 1940 convention was the first national convention of any party broadcast on live television . It was carried by an early version of the NBC Television Network , and consisted of flagship W2XBS ( now WNBC ) in New York City , W3XE ( now KYW-TV ) in Philadelphia and W2XB ( now WRGB ) in Schenectady/Albany . The growing importance of primaries became evident at the 1964 Republican National Convention in San Francisco , where Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater won the nomination , easily turning away Governor William Scranton and others more favorable to the party establishment
1940 convention
1940 Republican National Convention
Republican National Convention