CNN Adds Laughs to News Lineup

These guys get no respect, and they deserve it

(NEWSER) - You rarely see Carrot Top or Gallagher anymore, but showbiz is still full of guys who just aren’t funny. Sarah Bell of Newsweek points out the worthiest tomato targets:

• Larry the Cable Guy: A really, really poor man’s Jeff Foxworthy, minus any actual jokes.
• Carlos Mencia: Makes a living mocking mentally handicapped people and “beaners.” Dave Chappelle, he ain’t.

Comedian may be getting the boot, but tomorrow's looking pretty bright

(NEWSER) - Jay Leno might be losing his beloved "Tonight Show," writes the Hollywood Reporter, but the host still has a ratings punch and an enviable set of options (in decreasing order of probability):

1. Take ABC’s 11:30pm-12:30am slot, displacing Nightline and Jimmy Kimmel Live and competing with Letterman and O’Brien.
2. Launch a show on Fox at 11 or 11:30pm—Fox doesn’t currently run late-night shows, but could use Leno’s brand to push into the new territory.
3. Sony Pictures TV puts Leno’s Tonight Show into syndication, which could eventually lead to another late-night gig.

Pair have been married 4 years

(NEWSER) - CNN's married political reporters John King and Dana Bash have separated, friends tell the Washington Post . The couple, married almost four years, have been living separately for several months, insiders say. King converted to Judaism prior to their marriage. "They continue to co-parent their young son"—Jonah, born last year—"and to work together with the utmost professionalism," says one friend. King is 48, Bash 40. More»

First lady dishes on sneaking out, Bo, how much Obama loves Congress

(NEWSER) - Michelle Obama dropped by David Letterman's Late Show last night, giving the dour late-night host the scoop on that Target trip that got everyone talking , sneaking out of the White House (which she apparently does semi-regularly ), her dad, her "son" Bo, and more. A rundown of the highlights, as per CBS :

• On whether her husband ever comes home and says, "Oh, that John Boehner, what an idiot": “It has never happened. Never, never. He is always upbeat, particularly about Congress.”

Move would link traditional, new media

(NEWSER) - CNN is deep into talks to purchase social media news site Mashable, insiders tell the New York Times , which confirms an earlier Reuters report. It would be CNN's biggest-ever buy, costing well beyond the estimated $20 million purchase of app maker Zite last autumn. The news is thrilling South by Southwest attendees excited about the marriage of traditional and new media, the Times notes. Further confirmation of the possible deal: Mashable's executive editor "liked" the Reuters story on Facebook. More»