The Sports Arena, configured for the 1960 Democratic National Convention. 

David Brinkley, left,  and Chet Huntley will report for NBC.

Edward R. Murrow, left, anchorman Walter Cronkite, right, and Howard K. Smith will cover the convention for CBS. John Daly will report for ABC

July 12, 1960: Times TV writer Cecil Smith looks behind the scenes as the three networks prepare to cover the opening of the 1960 Democratic National Convention.

“There was a breathless moment as seconds ticked off, teletypes rattled. Then [director Don] Hewitt cued Cronkite, the show was on,” Smith said.