Talk show host Jay Leno may be pioneering a new concept in late-night television: doing his own comedy. Leno returns to the airwaves on NBC Wednesday night after the writer’s strike sidelined his show since November. He’s returning at the same time as CBS rival David Letterman, who also has been in re-run mode since the strike began, but without the writers.

Here’s the Reuters report :

Letterman, who has lagged behind Leno in the ratings since 1995, has a chance to regain the upper hand as he ventures back with his writing team, and the blessing of the Writers Guild of America, under a special deal between the union and his production company. … Leno will not have his writing team back and could face trouble getting celebrity guests who are members of the Screen Actors Guild.

Letterman already has scored actor Robin Williams for his first night back, thanks to an agreement he struck with the writers, which in turn paves the way for Screen Actors Guild members to show up, The New York Times reported . Leno has booked former Arkansas Gov. and Republican presidential contender Mike Huckabee.

Guests or not, CBS and GE, NBC’s parent, are sure to keep tabs on how much of their audience they can win back.

Keep an eye on:

• The FCC has approved new rules giving broadcasters more flexibility to switch to digital television from traditional analog signals. The rules would allow some broadcast stations to make a “phased transition” to digital broadcasting. (Reuters)
• Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia CEO Susan Lyne may be looking to exit the company, according to the New York Post. (NY Post)
• Radiohead’s “In Rainbows,” which months ago was available for free online, went on sale in record shops this week — will anyone buy the CD? (NY Times )