The presence of journalists at presidential nominating conventions have increased with the television networks . In 1976 , the Democratic Convention consisted of 3,381 delegates and 11,500 reporters , broadcasters , editors and camera operators . This is on par with the increase in the number of televisions in American 's homes . In 1960 , 87 percent of people had a television , compared to 98 percent by 1976 . By the 1992 conventions , network coverage increased from three networks ( NBC , ABC and CBS ) to five networks ( NBC , ABC , CBS , Fox and PBS ) . At the 1996 Republican National Convention there were approximately seven journalists per one delegate , or about 15,000 journalists
1996 Republican National Convention
1996 Republican National Convention
United States presidential nominating convention