I just asked my newsroom bigwig buddy about this topic last week… seems there is constant tension in major metro daily newsrooms about whether to run this stuff or not. Unfortunately, since they can now track views on their websites, they know that this stuff is incredibly popular. It really does drive pageviews and newstand purchases. Serious journalists absolutely despise the fact that it takes away from their “newshole.”
I’ve always believed that people like it because it gives them some neutral ground to cover around the campfire/watercooler/etc. Your opinion on Jessica’s puppies are usually quickly forgotten while your birther opinion may damage your reputation permanently.