ST. LOUIS (AP) – Journalists are expected to arrive at Washington University in St. Louis as early as Wednesday to cover the presidential debate.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that by the time Sunday’s debate commences, as many as 2,000 news professionals will be in place.
Leaders from the Commission on Presidential Debates call this media turnout “unprecedented” compared to past election years. Debate officials say the boom of online-only news outlets has played a role in the high number of journalists covering the event.

Hordes of media covered the sparring between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump on Sept. 26 at Hofstra University.

The university isn’t spending money to host journalists except for waiving what was once a $200 wireless internet access fee.