Known for laughs, DC dinner to spotlight reporting risks

WASHINGTON (AP) – There will still be plenty of laughs, but the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner on Saturday also plans to delve deeper into the serious role journalism plays in a democracy.

This year’s dinner is taking place because of Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich imprisoned in Russia. He was detained in March and charged with espionage, despite strong denials from his employer and the US government. His family will be among 2,600 people attending the ceremony at the Washington Hilton.

Also attending will be Debra Tice, the mother of Austin Tice, who has not been found since she disappeared at a checkpoint in Syria in 2012. US officials say they operate under the assumption that he is alive and are trying to bring him home. ,

Tamara Keith, White House correspondent for NPR and president of the association, said, “They are among hundreds of journalists around the world who have been wrongfully detained for the simple act of doing journalism – which is not a crime. “

The dinner is expected to begin with a pre-taped video from actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger about the importance of a free and independent press.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the dinner, along with comedian Roy Wood Jr., a correspondent for “The Daily Show” as a featured entertainer.

Wood gave a preview of the direction his jokes were going, predicting that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was unlikely to end his culture clash or stop his feud with Disney, leaving only a few taunts. Cause The comedian told CNN not to expect DeSantis to say, “‘You know what, man, you’re right. Go ahead and put black history back in those books.’ … He’s fighting Mickey Mouse. You can’t change a guy’s mind with a joke.

The black tie dinner attracts a wide range of celebrities and media moguls to Washington, with parties being held across the capital. Those attending the dinner include reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump and singer John Legend and his wife, model and television personality Chrissy Teigen.