Not so pale by comparison

David Letterman’s squabble with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gave his “Late Show” a ratings boost last week, but new NBC rival Conan O’Brien retains the upper hand after two weeks as “Tonight Show” host.

For the week of June 8, “Tonight” won in total viewers as well as such demographic groups as adults 18-49 and 18-34, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Even so, CBS’ “Late Show” scored total-viewer victories on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as controversy heated up following Letterman’s racy joke about a Palin daughter.

For the week, Letterman came within 1,000 viewers of O’Brien – 3.77 million to 3.67 million – in the closest competitive position for “Late Show” since December 2005, Nielsen said.

Banks stalker deposited

A Georgia man who was convicted of stalking TV host Tyra Banks was sentenced Thursday to a year of probation and ordered to complete a treatment program designed specifically for stalkers.

Brady Green, 39, must also stay away from the former supermodel for the next two years, a judge ordered.

Green was convicted in April of stalking Banks by calling her offices, showing up at her TV studios and sending her flowers. Police said he threatened to cut a staffer’s throat for not telling him where Banks was.

Jail to the chiefs?

Two Ohio police chiefs are being investigated on allegations that they burglarized the home of a woman serving as a surrogate mother for Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.

The pair, who do not yet face formal charges, are accused of trying to sell photos and other information to a tabloid.

The birthday bunch

Actress Gena Rowlands is 79. Actress Phylicia Rashad is 61. Singer Ann Wilson (Heart) is 59. Actress Kathleen Turner is 55. Singer/dancer/choreographer Paula Abdul is 47. Actress Robin Tunney is 37. Actress Poppy Montgomery is 34. Actor Paul Dano is 25.