As announced last week, the 2000 Republican National Convention will be America's first political convention aired in high-definition television. But in an interesting twist, Republican National Committee Chairman Jim Nicholson noted that the party has approved the request of NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.) to cover the Convention in HDTV. NHK says it will make available a digital high-definition feed to other "accredited" broadcasters choosing to take the signal for transmission to their viewers.

As for the production details, Nicholson said the party has agreed to provide three HDTV camera positions and supporting workspace at Comcast Spectacor's First Union Center in Philadelphia, where the party's Convention will be held July 31 through August 3. NHK adds that it will also cover other Convention-related events in HDTV.

"We are proud to be the pioneers in this new century of television broadcasting," said convention manager Chip DiPaula. "Our last Republican Convention in Philadelphia, in 1948, was the first to be covered by television, and it is appropriate that this year's Convention is the first ever broadcast in HDTV."