Big names in broadcast news history highlight Freedman inaugural gala, Jan. 18

Edward R. Murrow’s son, Walter Cronkite’s chief of staff, CNN’s Washington bureau chief and the former vice president of CBS News will toast and roast Mike Freedman during his inaugural gala Jan. 18 as the National Press Club’s 113th president.

The evening starts with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 each for a member and one guest, and $125 for general admission. Dress is black tie optional. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online.

Freedman, who for 25 years has produced the Club’s award-winning forum, “The Kalb Report,” comes to the presidency with a legacy of radio news as UPI’s managing editor for broadcast and as general manager of CBS Radio.

Casey Murrow, the son of legendary CBS News correspondent Edward R. Murrow, and Marlene Adler, who was Walter Cronkite’s last chief of staff, will be joined at the podium by former CBS News Vice President Harvey Nagler and Sam Feist, CNN’s senior vice president and Washington bureau chief. Freedman will be sworn in as president by Marvin Kalb, the last CBS correspondent hired by Edward R. Murrow, who worked with Walter Cronkite and is the moderator of “The Kalb Report.”

Music will be provided by The Eric Felton Quartet playing the music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and Irving Berlin.