2024 Republican National Convention; Milwaukee welcomes worldwide media

MILWAUKEE - Media members from the state, country and world were in Milwaukee on Thursday, Nov. 30 in preparation for the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC). 

400 executives, producers, engineers, photojournalists, writers, and other media workers toured the future home of the RNC – Fiserv Forum. They also toured Panther Arena and the Baird Center – where journalists will work. They were able to see options for live broadcast space – and they saw exactly where the person speaking on the main podium inside Fiserv Forum will stand – shown with a yellow block.

Attention from around the world

One of those who checked out the facilities was a journalist whose main audience is 6,000 miles away. He told FOX6 News his viewers will pay close attention to what happens in Milwaukee in 2024. 

"The United States has a huge influence on Japan, on Japan’s politics, so we are so interested in it," said Ryohei Takagi, of Japan's Kyodo News. "We have to focus on the battlefield, especially Wisconsin, Michigan and some other states, because they decide the results of the presidential election, right?"

For some broadcasters, a case of déjà vu

It was almost four years ago that Democrats hosted their media walk through in Milwaukee. Planning for that convention was disrupted by the pandemic. The convention ended up going mostly virtual. 

"There was a significant amount of money lost because we couldn’t recoup that. We couldn’t provide any services. We couldn’t get anyone here, but everything had been booked, bills paid, and we were planning on coming. And it’s unfortunate," said Keith Carney of FedNet, which broadcasts Congress on connected TVs worldwide and provides Capitol Hill coverage to other journalists.

"Is this a do-over for what you missed out on in 2020?" asked FOX6's Jason Calvin. 

"I think so. I don’t know if I can recoup what was lost from that time," Carney replied.

City and convention leaders welcome media to Fiserv

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and RNC convention leaders welcomed the group. The mayor urged them to check out a website and boost local business.

"It’s mke2024host.org," the mayor said. "And there you’ll find a list, actually, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of local businesses in every imaginable category that are ready to serve the needs that you have. All over Milwaukee, you’ll find businesses ready to serve you."

"Let me let you in on a little secret. Some of you know this, some of you don’t," added Johnson. "I’m not a Republican. In fact, I’m a proud Democrat. But, that means that my role here is different. I’m not here in a political capacity. In fact, I’m here because my goals include hosting a convention that brings attention to Milwaukee. I’m here because my goals include demonstrating our ability in this city to successfully stage big events. I’m here because my desire, my goals is making sure we’re bringing economic impacts to residents right here in the city of Milwaukeee."

The RNC convention's chairwoman, Anne Hathaway said Fiserv Forum helped woo the party to pick Milwaukee. "When we walked into this arena as the site selection committee and took a look around, and realized what our convention might look like, our breath was taken away. This is an amazing arena."

"Milwaukee and Wisconsin made it clear they wanted the 2024 Republican convention here in this city. And most importantly, the people made us feel welcome. And we anticipate you are going to feel that embrace that the people of Milwaukee and of Wisconsin made for us to you," Hathaway told the group. "They are going to make this easy, they are going to make this fun, and they are going to make your lives easier."

Looking ahead

When the RNC comes to Milwaukee, it is estimated some 50,000 people will descend on the Deer District and stay in hotels across the Midwest. 

Convention organizers estimate the 2024 convention could generate roughly $200 million for the economy in southeast Wisconsin. 

The 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee will be held from July 15-18, 2024.