Fun press event too "uncomfortable"

The White House Correspondents Dinner, a yearly black-tie even in Washington, is one of the few chances journalists and the political elite get to hang out and party without the cares of the world interfering.

There have been memorable ones, such as in 2006 when Stephan Colbert was a little too edgy and was not invited back the following year.


It seems, however that the New York Times has declined this year's invitation, citing concerns that the event is an improper gathering for journalists and sources.
"These events can create a false perception that reporters and their sources are pals, and that perception could cloud our credibility," Spokeswoman Diane McNulty wrote. "It's not worth it."

Check out Editor and Publisher's take on it.