In this week’s episode of the Internet’s most popular list-based news show dedicated to the media world, we cook up a double-dip recession (yum-o!), share tips on summer love with a politician, and get stared down by Coolio.

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Charlotte Bobcats play-by-play announcer Scott Lauer was laid off by the team as a result of the NBA lockout.

According to Lauer, he was told his “position was eliminated” due to “organizational restructuring.”

“I still feel that once games begin that I’ll be broadcasting games again for them,” Lauer said. “I’m under that impression, but there is certainly no guarantee in that one way or the other.”

The Longhorn Network announced their first three talent hires Thursday.

Fox Sports reporter Samantha Steele, ESPNU anchor Lowell Galindo and former Austin sports talk radio host Kevin Dunn are all set to join the network when it launches on Aug. 26.

Steele has covered the Pac-10 and Big 12 for Fox Sports Net and Fox College Sports. Galindo, who grew up in San Antonio and was born in Houston, is one of 31 ESPN employees that will relocate from Bristol and Charlotte (home of ESPNU) to Austin. Dunn, who gradated from the University of Texas, has worked for CBS College Sports and KVET (1300 AM) in Austin.

Over the course of less than a week, CBS viewers will see Katie Couric interview everyone from President Barack Obama to Justin Timberlake, from hero pilot Captain Chelsey Sullenberger to Lil’ Wayne.

And before she was interviewed today on Live with Regis & Kelly, she conducted an impromptu interview backstage with the show’s other guest, Joe Torre. Then tonight, Couric’s “All Access” Grammy Special on CBS at 9pm. See the Torre interview below (and check WebNewser for another behind-the-scenes video from today), and after the jump see a clip of Couric’s sit-down with Lil’ Wayne:



Click continued to see part of Couric’s Lil’ Wayne interview, featuring this quote from Weezy: “Music is another form of news, music is another form of journalism to me, so I have to cover all the areas”…

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> NBC’s broadcast of the Super Bowl averaged a 42.1 household rating and 65 share last night, down 6% from last year’s 44.7/66. Last year’s Giants/Patriots game was the highest rated Super Bowl in 20 years. Last night’s game was on par with the Colts/Bears 2007 Super Bowl. The Cardinals/Steelers game peaked with a 48.0 rating at 10pmET in the final, exciting moments of the Steelers’ win.

> Over the next few weeks, “Nightline” anchors sit down with some of this year’s Oscar nominees. Tonight, Cynthia McFadden interviews Meryl Streep who is nominated for best actress for her performance as Sister Aloysius in “Doubt.” Upcoming interviews include Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, and Penelope Cruz.

> “Put a grown man in a leotard and that’s just already funny,” says Justin Timberlake to Katie Couric about a recent SNL skit (which has been pulled from YouTube and here’s why). The interview is part of Couric’s All-Access Grammy special this Wednesday on CBS. Couric also talks with Lil’ Wayne, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.

CBS News has announced that Katie Couric will host a entertainment special featuring several Grammy award nominees.

The special is being produced by the news division with 48 Hours Mystery EP Susan Zirinsky in charge. “Couric has an innate ability for getting people to reveal themselves in a uniquely intimate way,” says Zirinsky. “This broadcast highlights her talent and showcases a new side of these celebrated artists like Justin Timberlake.”

“Katie Couric’s ‘All Access’ Grammy Special” airs Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10pmET/PT. In addition to Timberlake, guests include Lil’ Wayne, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.

The Couric special leads up to CBS’ broadcast of the Grammy Awards, Sunday, Feb. 8, immediately following “60 Minutes” which will feature Couric’s interview with flight 1549 hero pilot Capt. Chesley Sullenberger and his crew.

• Earlier on TVNewser: CBS Evening News with Katie Couric Goes Prime Time…