Inner Circle (parody group)

The Inner Circle is an American parody group made up of seasoned reporters, bloggers, web journalists, and television and radio personalities. It hosts an event every year in March at the New York Hilton, and each year the show has a different theme. There is a strict "No Professional Talent" rule.

The Inner Circle was established in 1922 by New York City newspaper reporters covering City Hall. The organization is a successor to Amen Corner and the Association of City Hall Reporters, two groups of reporters who would parody local politicians at what were called "stunt dinners". The Inner Circle sought to expand the reach of the group by satirizing national politicians as well.

Prior to 1973, women were not permitted to join the Inner Circle or take part in the show, and female guests were relegated to the balcony. Dorothy Schiff, owner and publisher of the New York Post, refused to attend in protest, and Mayor Lindsay's wife Mary would flick peanuts from her balcony table at the men seated below.

In 1972, the Inner Circle held a meeting to discuss whether or not they should permit women to join. George Douris, of the Long Island Press, and Mickey Carroll argued in favor of admitting women. Two Daily News newsmen, Eddie O'Neill and Owen Fitzgerald, argued against. The meeting concluded with a decision that a vote would be conducted by mail. The mailed-in vote was 69-to-15 in favor of the motion, and it was decided that the four new members for the 1973 show would be women. The first women to be admitted to the Inner Circle were Edith Evans Asbury of The New York Times, Marcia Chambers of the Associated Press, Jean Crafton of the Daily News, and Maureen O'Neill of Newsday. The show began with the following announcement: "... the Inner Circle, 50 years old and they've just learned about girls". This was followed by the first four female members singing the Maurice Chevalier song, "Thank Heaven for Little Girls".

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