Comedian Samantha Bee on Monday announced a splashy alternative to the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, the annual schmoozefest that brings together journalists and the people they cover, along with an assortment of advertisers and random Hollywood types. Asked for comment on the new competition, WHCA President Jeff Mason shared a statement that didn’t mention Bee or her dinner. A TBS rep didn’t return a call seeking more information about the dinner, which will likely air on the cable network. There’s been plenty of griping in the past about the optics of reporters hobnobbing with a White House that was hostile to the fourth estate. “The dinner is an important part of the WHCA year, but right now, we’re focused on important issues with regard to access in the new White House,” Mason said.

Source: National Post January 31, 2017 17:19 UTC