Meet reporters at ‘New York’s Funniest Reporter’ contest

I look for every opportunity to help you connect face-to-face with journalists, and this one sounds like fun.

Six New York-area journalists and broadcasters will take to the stage in a stand-up comedy competition that will raise money for Operation Uplink, a charity that supports U.S. Troops. The 2^nd Annual “New York’s Funniest Reporter” contest will be at 9:30 p.m. October 3 at Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23^rd St.

Appearing in the show will be: Julia Allison (Star Magazine), Sean L. McCarthy (New York Daily News), Nikki Eagan (NBC), Robert George (New York Post), Tasha Harris (Stagetime Magazine), and 2006 Funniest Reporter Champion, Mandy Stadtmiller (New York Post). Headlining the event will be “Psychic Madman” Jim Karol (NBC’s the “Tonight” show), a national entertainer whose act incorporates magic, comedy and extraordinary feats of the mind.

Cost is $15 plus a two-drink minimum. To make a reservation, call 212-367-9000.

By the way, I’ve never seen anything like this, in which media people are willing to take to the stage and risk making fools of themselves. The competition is a neat idea, and it’s admirable that our troops will benefit from the journalists’ generosity.

As for pitching, if I wanted to get in front of one of these journalists, I’d attend the event but not pitch that night. I would, however, introduce myself if the time was right, then mention their performance when I pitched later by phone or email.