Bloggers, Independent Media Invited to Republican Convention

More than 600 media representatives, photojournalists and bloggers from across the nation — and, in some cases, around the world — gathered at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Monday to get the latest information on the Republican National Convention to be held in St. Paul in 2008. While little has changed from conventions of the last decade, event organizers say that bloggers and independent media will have a larger presence this year than ever before.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul 2008 Host Committee invited media from around the world for a walk-through of the RNC facilities and laid out some of the details of costs, as well as housing, equipment and transportation issues that media personnel will face in 2008. The majority of the evening’s discussion focused on logistics for traditional broadcast and print media, but the topic of blogging came up several times.

“We are going to welcome the blogging community. We need the bloggers and the independent media on board,” said Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC. After taking a few shots at Democratic candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, Duncan pointed to the large success that the GOP is experiencing through the use of social networking sites such as Facebook.com and through blogs.Gordon Pennoyer, deputy director of media operations for the RNC, echoed Duncan’s sentiments. “We plan on having a considerable blogger presence,” he said.

The RNC, will host an Internet Alley for bloggers and traditional media that have interactive online presences. Unlike the traditional media, bloggers and independent media will not have to apply for credentials through the  Congressional Press Galleries, the body typically charged with approving credentials. Instead, bloggers  and independent media will apply for “special press credentials.”

When asked how many bloggers they anticipated, the organizers had little idea how many to expect or how many would be approved to participate. Internet connections will be purchased through Qwest, the event’s only telecommunications contractor. Pennoyer said that while there may be a few areas with wireless internet available, the committee does not plan on having the convention be wireless.

According to handouts by the event organizers, editors or news directors of blogs and independent media should submit applications on letterhead on behalf of reporters seeking credentials. They will also need to submit samples of writing by the reporters when sending in the application.

The RNC will  accept applications starting Monday and ending April 15. The application materials and any questions can be sent to special_press(at)GOPConvention2008.com.