These events culminated in Simpson 's decision to begin coordinating efforts to preserve news programs . Initially , he sought out funding to begin a non-profit organization ; however , he ultimately decided that a college library would be more ideal because of its expertise in preserving newspapers and magazines . Simpson selected Vanderbilt , because he graduated from the university 's law school and resided in Nashville . He approached Frank P. Grisham , the new director of the Joint University Libraries , with the idea . This led to conversations with Vanderbilt chancellor G. Alexander Heard ( 1917-2009 ) . On July 29 , 1968 , Chancellor Heard appointed an '' ad hoc '' committee to develop a feasibility proposal . Recordings began on August 5 , 1968 to coincide with the 1968 Republican National Convention . The first taping was recorded on rented equipment with tape supplied by Simpson and friends of the University
1968 Republican National Convention
1968 Republican National Convention
Vanderbilt Television News Archive