"Both types of viewers will be fewer in numbers this year. Fewer people know enough to tune in, and fewer will just happen to see it because the networks have cut back on their broadcast hours," he said.
The conventions have steadily drawn lower and lower audiences in recent years. In 1976, the average household watched more than 11 hours of convention coverage. In 1996, however, the average household watched fewer than four hours.
Buhr said that the reduced attention to these political events could have unfortunate consequences.
"It's definitely a concern that a fragmented audience and a fragmented culture have created a greater and greater divide" between politicians and the public, Buhr said.
"Its particularly a concern if you look at the younger generation," she said. "Those who do [form an interest in politics] will be much more of an elite class."
Patterson provided a similar explanation.
"It's getting harder and harder for any one program to draw a huge audience because there are so many choices available to the viewer," Patterson said.
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