What do you do when your network is tanking in ratings? You go on vacation baby!

While CNN was crying out for help as it sank further into the ratings cesspool, CNN Prexy Jon Klein, CNN International Prexy Jim Walton and 98 other CNN execs went off on vacation to the Bahamas soaking up the sun while rivals stayed ahead of the ratings challenged network. Wonder if Dick and Jeff approved this? The FTVLive site says that while "CNN suits are partying it up," network lackeys back home are "trying to keep a lid" on the tropical trip. "CNN claims that they exceeded their financial budgets so instead of putting it back into the company and giving some much deserved raises, they decided to break their arms by patting themselves on the back," the Web site said. "[There are] a lot of unhappy people in Atlanta, especially those who didn't get to go on the trip," the site reports. "Sadly, we also hear that there will be people who won't be getting raises this year due to 'cutbacks.' Well, except for Anderson Cooper - he's the golden child." Cooper just signed a new contract for $4 million a year. SAD CNN SUITS FLEE TO TROPICS [NYP]