DC Journalists Prepare for Charity Battle

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Mar 21, 2011, 10:36 ET

Nick Galifianakis to Host; Miles O'Brien to Headline

Tickets on Sale March 16

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tickets are now on sale for Commedia dell Media III! At the National Press Club on Friday, April 1, thirteen esteemed members of the DC press corps will battle to be named DC's Funniest Journalist. Washington Post cartoonist Nick Galifianakis will host and PBS's Miles O'Brien will headline the show.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

Currently sharpening their wits in preparation for the competition, the candidates for Commedia dell Media III are: Politico's Jon Allen and Meredith Shiner, NPR's Jamila Bey, Nadia Bilbassy of the Middle East Broadcasting Company, National Journal's Matt Cooper, Brooke Hatfield of The Washington CityPaper, John Kelly of The Washington Post, Riz Khan of al-Jazeera English, Bloomberg's Scott Lanman, Lizzie O'Leary of BloombergTV, Mike Walter of Walter Media, Shaun Waterman of The Washington Times and freelancer Tim Young.

Co-winners of Commedia II, Military.com's Jamie McIntyre and Rich Edson of FOX Business News, will head a snark panel of judges, but audience input will be required to anoint the winner.

Four full cash bars will open at 7 for a pre-show cocktail hour, featuring a selection of beer from Commedia sponsor Flying Dog Brewery. For those attendees wanting to mix with the talent, a special VIP ticket package is available, which includes a 1- hour pre-show open bar and spread of hors d'ouevres.

Much more than a simple night of laughter and cocktails, the proceeds of Commedia dell Media will benefit three causes close to the performers' hearts and profession. The CPJ Journalist Assistance Fund saves journalists who must go into hiding or exile to escape threats and helps those in need of medicine or material support in prison. National Press Club's Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library helps hone skills of current and future newsgatherers with an array of training programs and scholarships. Reporters Without Borders is the international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting journalists' rights, fighting censorship, and promoting freedom of expression.

Tickets now available for purchase at http://www.press.org/comedy/

$15 in advance; $20 night of show

VIP package: $35

*COMMEDIA* *DELL* *MEDIA*
When: Friday, April 1, 2010
Doors and Bar: 7:00
Show starts: 8:00

Where: National Press Club ballroom
529 14th Street, NW, 13th Floor
How much: $15 in advance
$20 at the door
$35 VIP package