The reporter cover charge is an election party first. (Creative Commons)

Campaigns usually charge news organizations to use electricity and Internet during national conventions, but the reporter cover charge is a new fee, according to MassLive.com.

The access fees range from $75 for a chair in the ballroom, to $1,020 for use of the media filing center. Networks will have to shell out $6,500 for a workspace (but don't worry, parking spots are included).

President Obama will hold his campaign party at McCormick Place in Chicago. His campaign charges premiums, but credentialed reporters are granted access - including a workstation, electrical power and wireless Internet - at no cost.

A Romney spokeswoman confirmed there is no way to report from the party aside from paying to get in. 

"As a reporter, you need to pay for access..." Williams told MassLive.com. 

The news has been particularly unsettling for student journalism outlets, which would struggle to pay the $250 per press credential. Paying for Internet or electricity is standard, but paying to get into the event is an entirely different situation.

Journalism students are taught to avoid paying for information or for access to a story. 

"I'll be happy to pay the admission fee as soon as I vote on Wednesday," said Alan Mittelstaedt, a journalism professor at USC, in reference to the multiple instances in which voters were told they could vote through Wednesday evening in swing states.

View the full price sheet here.

Reach Senior News Editor Sarah Parvini here.