The Republican National Convention has brokered a deal with UStream.TV to serve as its "Official Live Video Streaming Provider." Appropriately, the announcement was made live via streaming video at www.GOPConvention2008.com.

Readers of TechRepublican will recall our conversation with UStream founder Brad Hunstable two weeks ago where he teased that a "major announcement" was in the queue. This is that announcement. And, of note, Hunstable said that the "deal would not be replicated with the Democratic Party." Sweet.

Of the partnership, the GOP Convention President and CEO, Maria Cino, said in a prepared statement, “Partnering with Ustream.TV sends a clear message that the Republican Party wants the Internet generation and all people – from Party loyalists to casual observers – to be part of the 2008 Republican National Convention. Anyone with computer and Internet access will be guaranteed a front-row seat to history through www.GOPConvention2008.com, as we formally nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States.”

From the release on the partnership:

Ustream.TV allows anyone with a camera, computer, and Internet connection to broadcast live video to a global audience. Ustream.TV was founded by two U.S. military veterans and a technologist who strived to create a way for people of all ages around the globe to connect with each other through the power of live, online video broadcasts.

In addition to live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, the Ustream.TV broadcasting platform will be used to proactively engage bloggers and traditional media outlets unable to travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the event. As part of the pioneering effort, convention and other Republican officials will be scheduled to participate in live video web chats and other online interviews, using Ustream.TV’s platform, leading up to and during the Republican National Convention.

Fellow bloggers, if you're interested in obtaining media credentials, you'll find all of the information you need here.

[Cross-posted at TechRepublican.com]