WHCA President Tamara Keith Leads Annual Dinner Amid Tumultuous News Landscape

The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) held its annual dinner on Saturday evening, with NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith--the current president of the organization--delivering opening remarks. The event, which typically brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities for a night of laughs and networking, looked different this year due to the ongoing pandemic and the tumultuous state of the news industry.

Keith acknowledged the challenges facing journalists in her speech, saying, "The news business is facing an existential crisis." She went on to outline the WHCA's efforts to support and advocate for journalists, including their push for greater access to the White House and efforts to protect press freedom.

The president and first lady Jill Biden also made an appearance at the dinner, meeting privately with the parents of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was recently detained by Russian authorities while reporting on protests in Moscow. The Bidens expressed their support for Gershkovich and his family and reaffirmed their commitment to press freedom.

During the dinner, Keith also participated in a Q&A session, answering questions about the state of the news industry and the WHCA's role in supporting journalists. She emphasized the importance of press freedom and the need for journalists to hold those in power accountable.

The president joined comedian Roy Wood Jr., who hosted the event, in delivering a few jokes to the crowd. Biden joked about his age and his relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris, among other topics.

The dinner was attended by a number of high-profile guests, including members of Congress, celebrities, and journalists. However, the event was significantly scaled back compared to previous years, with fewer attendees and no red carpet or after-party.

Despite the challenges facing the news industry, Keith remained optimistic about the future of journalism. "We are living through a time of great change and great challenge," she said in her speech. "But I believe that the future of journalism is bright."