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Star of NBC Series to Host Annual White House Dinner

Feb 14, 2014  •  Post A Comment

The sometimes unenviable task of hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be tackled this year by Joel McHale, one of the stars of the NBC comedy "Community," the Los Angeles Times’ Show Tracker reports.

"It’s still unknown if ‘Community’ will reach its long-stated goal of six seasons and a movie, but Joel McHale will at least get an opportunity to plead his case to President Obama," the story notes.

McHale is also known for hosting the E! series "The Soup."

The Times piece notes: "The annual dinner in Washington, hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association, has had an increasingly Hollywood bent to it in recent years, with more and more celebrities appearing as guests.

"McHale will sit at the head table, along with the president and first lady, and will perform a comedy routine for the association’s centennial dinner. The WHCA was founded in 1914."

In a statement, Steven Thomma, president of the WHCA, said: "We’re thrilled that Joel will headline the dinner when we celebrate our centennial. He’s sharp, funny, and just the type of comic who can navigate the unique challenge of our dinner, making fun of Democrats, Republicans and especially the news media. Washington can use a little good-natured ribbing."

In recent years the job has gone to TV fixtures including Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Jay Leno.

"The dinner has come under increasing criticism in recent years by people who feel the event creates the feeling of a clubby, friendly relationship between the administration and the people whose job it is to cover them," the Times report notes.

McHale commented on the gig on Twitter, telling his fans: "My material will be equally offensive to all & over within 30 min — just like a Congressional work year."

joel mchale.pngJoel McHale

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