The Turner Broadcasting clan came together at the Beverly Hilton Friday night, indulging in fancy orderves and mingling with other celebrities and reporters alike. Among the more notable attendees included CNN national correspondent John King as well as former SNL star Tim Meadows. Many of CNN’s anchors were also present at the party as were stars from numerous hit series, including ER. One of the highlights of the evening was said to be the gorgeous sunset amidst the excitement of the evening.

This summer’s Television Critics Association tour is currently underway, with attendees staying at the Beverly Hilton. Expectations have been lowered for this year’s gathering as a result of the Writer’s Guild strike (which lead to the cancellation of the January conference). There are nearly 200 members in the TCA, the majority of them journalists. The winter and summer TCA tours are designed to allow television, cable, and public networks to showcase their upcoming programming lineup.

Many believe this will be one of the last TCA tours. The expense in attending and organizing these tours (on behalf of the respective networks) and the dwindling number of critics in attendance are being cited as “push factors” for the termination of these press conferences. With the economy also in turmoil, member attendance is expected to be even lower.