As noted by the LATimes, here are a few examples of humorous jabs taken at Media personalities and even the Media itself:
Obama and Kimmel's best jokes from the Correspondents' Dinner
by Morgan Little, LATimes -- April 28, 2012
On the Media
“I’d like everyone to look under their seats. Under each you’ll find a copy of Keith Olbermann’s resume.” -- Kimmel.
What’s black and white and read all over? Nothing anymore.” -- Kimmel.
“There’s no one linking to as much hard-hitting journalism as you’re linking to.” -- Obama addressing Arianna Huffington.
Funny stuff.
Funny though, how most of our Traditional Media, neglected to report on the most cutting jab of the night, taken at their expense ...
I could not find any reference to this cutting jab at journalism, in Google News or Bing News, so I transcribed it myself, resourceful hard-working blogger that I am:
Jimmy Kimmel Hosts the 2012 White House Correspondents' Dinner
video clip
[about time mark 23:00, in closing, Jimmy Kimmel: ]
It has been an honor for me to be here, before so many members of the Washington and National Media. You're here tonight because as journalists you care about freedom, free speech, a free press, and most importantly free dinner.
[mild laughter]
Some people say journalism is in decline -- you've become too politicized, too focused on sensationalism. They say that you no longer honor your duty to inform America -- but instead actively try to divide us, so your corporate overlords can rake in the profits ... I don't have a joke for this. I'm just letting you know what 'some people say.'
[louder laughter and mild applause.]
WOW. Only wish he would have said "corporate CEO's" instead of "overlords".
I'm surprised it got as good a laugh as it did. Journalists apparently can laugh at themselves, they just can't take a critical look at, nor report on this well-known decline of the quality of their trade.
Some people say that anyways.
Meanwhile in another serious, rather somber moment last night, President Obama gave a shout out to "bloggers" -- be it somewhat obliquely ...
Remarks by President Obama at White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, April 28, 2012
by Transcripts Editors for Transcripts and Documents, dailykos.com -- Apr 28, 2012
[in closing, Barack Obama: ]
[...] So whether you are a blogger or a broadcaster, whether you take on powerful interests here at home or put yourself in harm's way overseas, I have the greatest respect and admiration for what you do. I know sometimes you like to give me a hard time -- and I certainly like to return the favor -- (laughter) -- but I never forget that our country depends on you. You help protect our freedom, our democracy, and our way of life.
Free press, free speech, and an informed electorate, cutting edge investigations --
these ARE important, aren't they?
Chalk one up for Transparency. And the First Amendment.
So maybe someday, the American people (along with our "corporate overlords") will start treating Journalism that way again, eh?
... as something serious, as something important, as something essential to a free people.
Then again maybe not. Maybe they won't ... if the past is any prologue to the future ...
If profits are allowed to remain the end-all, be-all metric, of all things -- American.