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CNET Networks

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This redirect is about CNET Networks Inc.. For Centre National d'Études des Télécommunications (CNET), the research and development centre of France Télécom, see France Télécom and Centre national d'études des télécommunications.
CNET Networks, Inc.
IndustryInternet information provider
Founded1993
Defunct2008
FateAcquired by CBS Corporation
SuccessorCBS Interactive
Headquarters235 Second Street, San Francisco, California, USA
Key people
Neil Ashe, president
Shelby Bonnie, co-founder
WebsiteOfficial website

CNET Networks Inc. is a media company co-founded in 1993 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie. CNET was also originally an acronym that originally stood for Computer Networks, but the name was later changed to CNET Networks, losing its acronymity. It was acquired by CBS in 2008 and its properties were merged into CBS Interactive.

History

In 1994, with the help from Fox co-founder Kevin Wendle and former Disney creative associate Dan Baker,[1] CNET produced four pilot television programs about computers, technology, and the Internet. CNET TV was composed of CNET Central, The Web, and The New Edge.[2][3]CNET Central was created first and aired in syndication in the United States on the USA Network. Later, it began airing on USA's sister network Sci-Fi Channel along with The Web and The New Edge.[2] These were later followed by TV.com in 1996. Current American Idol host Ryan Seacrest first came to national prominence at CNET, as the host of The New Edge and doing various voice-over work for CNET.[4]

In addition, CNET produced another television technology news program called News.com that aired on CNBC beginning in 1999.[1]

CNET acquired the Swiss-based company GDT in 1997. GDT was later renamed to CNET Channel.[1]

In 1998, CNET granted the right to Asiacontent to set up CNET Asia and the operation was brought back in December 2000.[5][6]

In January 2000, the same time CNET became CNET Networks, they acquired comparison shopping site mySimon for $700 million.[7]

In October 2000, CNET Networks acquired ZDNet for approximately $1.6 billion.[8][9] In January 2001, Ziff Davis Media, Inc. reached an agreement with CNET Networks, Inc. to regain the URLs lost in the 2000 sale of Ziff Davis, Inc. to SoftBank Corp. a publicly traded Japanese media and technology company.[10] In April 2001, CNET acquired TechRepublic Inc., which provides content for IT professionals from Gartner, Inc., for $23 million in cash and stock.[11] On July 14, 2004, CNET announced that it would acquire Webshots, the leading photography website for $70 million ($60 million in cash, $10 million in deferred consideration).[12]

From 2001 to 2003, CNET operated CNET Radio on the Clear Channel-owned KNEW 910 AM in the San Francisco Bay Area, WBPS 890 AM in Boston and on XM Satellite Radio. CNET Radio offered technology-themed programming. After failing to attract a sufficient audience, CNET Radio ceased operating in January 2003 due to financial losses.[13]

On October 11, 2006, Shelby Bonnie resigned as chairman and CEO as a result of stock options backdating scandal that occurred between 1996 and 2003. Neil Ashe was named as the new CEO.[14]

In December 2006, James Kim, an editor at CNET, died in the Oregon wilderness. CNET hosted a memorial show and podcasts dedicated to him.

On March 1, 2007, CNET announced the public launch of BNET, a website targeted towards business managers. BNET was launched in 2005 in beta form.[15]

Acquisition by CBS

On May 15, 2008, it was announced that CBS Corporation would buy CNET Networks for US$1.8 billion.[16][17][18] On June 30, 2008, the acquisition was completed.[19] Former CNET properties are now part of CBS Interactive.

Websites

CNET

Main article: CNET
File:CNET.svg
Logo of CNET.

CNET is CNET Networks' online portal, providing access to reviews, news, downloads, price comparisons and CNET TV as well as web search powered by search.com. CNET is divided into seven major sections, all of which can be accessed from the home or "Today on CNET" page. These sections are:

Reviews

Product and service reviews by CNET. This section can also include extras such as Internet connection speed tests, opinion articles and buying guides.

CNET News

CNET News (formerly known as News.com) is a news website dedicated to technology. Content is created by both CNET and external media agencies. A daily podcast is available which covers main stories. Some of CNET's blogs also fall under this portion of the website, including Webware (Web 2.0 topics) and Crave (gadgets).

Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks is the learning area of CNET, offering a range of tutorials, guides and tips for technology users.

CNET TV

Main article: CNET TV

CNET TV is CNET's Internet video channel offering a selection of on-demand video content including video reviews, first looks and special features. CNET TV plays various videos, including CNET video reviews. CNET editors such as Molly Wood, Brian Cooley and Brian Tong host shows like Car Tech, Buzz Report, Quick Tips, CNET Top 5, Loaded, The Apple Byte, Digital City, The Digital Home, Inside CNET Live, Mail Bag, video prizefights, and others, as well as special reports and reviews. On April 12, 2007, CNET TV aired its first episode of CNET LIVE, hosted by Brian Cooley and Tom Merritt. The first episode featured Justin Kan of justin.tv.[20][21]

CNET Shopper

CNET Shopper.com is an online tool that aims to find the lowest prices on items from online retailers. While generally reliable, there have been notable errors in pricing information on occasion including a camera worth over a thousand dollars being advertised for only a few dollars.

Blogs

Also available at blogs.cnet.com, this is a round up of all the blogs from CNET personalities and official blogs for CNET and CNET programs.

Downloads

Main article: Download.com

Accessible via CNET or download.com, this provides Windows, Macintosh and mobile software for download. CNET maintains that this software is free of spyware. The site also offers free MP3 music files for download (mostly by independent artists), however recently, the music section of the site is now merged with last.fm. This meant that all the music downloads were deleted without warning.[22]

CNET UK

File:Cnetcouk logo.png
Logo of CNET UK.

In addition to the CNET site which is aimed at North American audiences, there are regional CNET sites including CNET Australia (for Australia), CNET UK (for the United Kingdom) and CNET Asia (for Asia). Content on regional sites is a mix of mostly locally produced content from regional offices of CNET, with certain content – mostly news – from the US CNET site. In addition, content is sometimes sourced from ZDNet.

In 2005, CNET launched CNET UK.[23] This UK arm of CNET Networks covers similar areas to the main CNET, but specifically for UK consumers. As of January 2008, an independent audit certified CNET UK was the largest consumer electronics website in the UK, with 2.5 million unique visitors.[24] The site is mainly focused on reviews, news, a gadget blog ('Crave', a name which the main CNET eventually adopted for its own blog) and editorial content from a team of editors, covering consumer electronics and car tech. CNET UK is managed and overseen by site editor Jason Jenkins (formerly of T3 Magazine). The CNET UK editorial team consists of Jason Jenkins (Editor), Nike Hide (Chief sub-editor), Charles Kloet (Sub-Editor), Rory Reid (Editor, Cars and Computing), Ian Morris (Editor, Home Cinema and Community), Flora Graham (Editor, Mobile Phones), Richard Trenholm (Editor, News and Features) and Luke Westaway (Staff Writer). CNET UK also releases a weekly podcast called the 'CNET UK Podcast'.

CNET Networks UK also comprises a number of other online-only publications, including GameSpot UK, Silicon.com, ZDNet.co.uk, and SmartPlanet.com (now defunct), each of which produce both editorial and audio-video productions, including GameSpot's video show 'Start/Select', and ZDNet's popular 'Dialogue Box' show. Collectively, the publications of CNET Networks UK generate 132 million monthly page views from 9.8 million unique visitors.[25]

On November 19, 2007, CNET UK launched the UK version of CNET TV, CNETTV.co.uk, which ceased production on May 2, 2008.

BNET

Main article: BNET

BNET, a portal designed similarly to CNET, was created for the businessman or woman, specifically those in the management field. It provides tools and information in an organized format, while also providing professional insight on emerging news and strategies affecting a range of industries, many not specifically related to the technology industry.

Other websites

Other CNET websites include GameSpot, GameFAQs, Metacritic, MP3.com, TV.com, and Movie Tome, which operate under the "CNET Networks Entertainment" brand name; Chow, Chowhound, UrbanBaby and Consumating, which operate under the "CNET Networks Community" brand; Webware, a blog launched in November 2006 dedicated to web applications.[26]

In July 2004, CNET Networks acquired Webshots, an online photo sharing site for $70 million.[27] However, in October 2007, they sold Webshots to American Greetings for $45 million[28]

CNET owns many domain names, including download.com, downloads.com, upload.com, news.com, search.com, tv.com, mp3.com, chat.com, computers.com, help.com, shopper.com, radio.com, and com.com.

In 1998, CNET was sued by Snap Technologies for its use of the snap.com domain.[29]

Podcasts

The network produces several audio and video podcasts. They are related to the core areas of technology: General news, DAPs, Cars, Security, and the ongoing wars between the politicos and the industry. The network has several different brandings on their podcasts. CNET, the Network's most viewed site, has more than eight to date.[30] The other sites in the CNET Network that have podcasts are GameSpot, TV.com, MP3.com and CNET UK. A lot of CNET podcasts are streamed live at http://www.cnet.com/live

The whole list of CNET Podcasts — excluding CNET's Networks Podcasts — can be found and subscribed in one click via the CNET Podcast Central at http://www.cnet.com/podcasts/

Name Brand Hosts Type Frequency
Buzz Out Loud CNET Molly Wood, Brian Tong, (replaced Rafe Needleman who previously replaced Tom Merritt) and Stephen Beacham (replaced Benito Gonzales who previously replaced Jason Howell who previously replaced Veronica Belmont) Audio/Video Monday-Friday
Planet CNET CNET and international Kara Tsuboi (In CBS now), Louise Ghegan, Rory Reid, Ella Morton and John Chan Video Indefinite hiatus (was usually weekly)
The Apple Byte CNET Brian Tong Video/CNET TV Weekly
Tap That App CNET Brian Tong and other CNET Editors Video/CNET TV Not Disclosed
Tech Review CNET Molly Wood Video/CNET TV Weekly
The 404 CNET Jeff Bakalar, Wilson Tang, Justin Yu and Randall Bennett (Left May 15, 2008, replaced by Justin Yu) Audio/Video Monday-Friday
preGAME CNET Jeff Bakalar and Mark Licea Video Weekly, Tuesdays
Loaded CNET Natali Morris (left CNET as of April 29, 2011, intern hosts Mark Licea and Jeff Bakalar) Video Monday-Friday
The Buzz Report CNET Molly Wood (interim host Brian Cooley) Video Weekly
CNET Top 5 CNET Brian Cooley (replaced Tom Merritt) Video Weekly
Gadgettes CNET Molly Wood, Kelly Morrison, and Jason Howell Audio/Video Weekly
Inside CNET Labs CNET Eric Franklin and Dong Ngo Audio Daily
Digital City CNET Dan Ackerman, Joseph Kaminski, Julie Rivera, and Scott Stein Audio Weekly
MP3 Insider CNET Jasmine France and Donald Bell (formerly Veronica Belmont and James Kim) Audio / Video Weekly
Crave CNET Jasmine France and Donald Bell Audio / Video Weekly, Tuesdays
CNET To the Rescue CNET Rafe Needleman and Josh Lowensohn (formerly called "The Real Deal" which was hosted by Rafe Needleman and Tom Merritt) Audio/Video Weekly, Wednesdays
Security Bites CNET and News.com Robert Vamosi Audio and video (on CNET TV) Weekly
Car Tech CNET Brian Cooley, Antuan Goodwin, and Wayne Cunningham Audio and video (on CNET TV) Weekly, Thursdays (instead of Fridays)
CNET Live CNET Tom Merritt, Brian Cooley and Brian Tong Video (CNET TV) No longer airing weekly, was on Thursdays. Is currently the name for a website dedicated to the live streaming of CNET podcast recordings.
Dialed In CNET Kent German, Bonnie Cha, and Nicole Lee Audio Wednesdays
Crossfade TV Download.com, MP3.com Kurt Wolff, Mike Tao, Peter Gavin, and Anngie Dehoyos Video (CNET TV) Bi-weekly
Studio C CNET, Download.com, and MP3.com Kurt Wolff, Ariel Nunez, Mike Tao, and Peter Gavin Audio Weekly
Today on the Spot GameSpot Various GameSpot employees host this video game talk show along with other editors and guests. Segments include news since the last episode (hosted by Tor Thorson), a Daily Demo, This week on Wii shop channel (tue.), Xbox live (thu.), and Playstation Network (sat.) and trivia segment at the end of most episodes. Video Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 4 PM PST
The LineUp GameSpot Brian Ekberg, Aaron Thomas, and Shanker Srinivasan hosts this sports video game talk show. Video Bi-weekly (Fri)
Import Friendly GameSpot Takeshi Hiraoka hosts this import game and culture show. Video Monthly (1st Thurs)
Start/Select GameSpot UK Guy Cocker hosts this news and features show on UK gaming. Video Fridays
The Hotspot GameSpot Brendan Sinclair hosts this video game news podcast. Some weeks have multiple episodes, such as E3 09, which had three consecutive podcasts from the show. Audio Tuesdays
From the Bleachers GameSpot Brian Ekberg hosts this sports video game podcast. Audio Mondays – On Hiatus until further notice.
Gamespot UK Podcast GameSpot UK Guy Cocker, Luke Anderson and the Gamespot UK team with news and features on UK Gaming. Audio Thursdays
OzSpot Gamespot AU Podcast Gamespot AU Randolph Ramsay, Dan Chiappini, and James Kozanecki bring you the GameSpot AU podcast. Biggest news and trends in the world of Australian Gaming. Audio Bi-weekly (Wed)
CNET UK Podcast CNET UK Ian Morris, Flora Graham and CNET UK team Audio Weekly (records Thursday, available Friday)
The Digital Home CNET Don Reisinger Audio Weekly
The TV.com UK podcast TV.com Ben Howard, Heather Hughes and Ian Morris Audio Weekly (Friday)
Android Atlas Weekly CNET Antuan Goodwin and Justin Eckhouse Audio/Video Weekly

References

  1. ^ a b c "CNET Networks – About Us – History". CNET Networks. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  2. ^ a b CNET
  3. ^ Entertainment Weekly
  4. ^ IMDb
  5. ^ CNET Networks
  6. ^ Computerworld
  7. ^ "CNET Acquires mySimon". InternetNews. January 20, 2000. Retrieved 2008-01-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 8 (help)
  8. ^ "Cnet To Buy Ziff Davis". InformationWeek. July 19, 2000. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 5 (help)
  9. ^ "Interview With CNETnews.com's Sydnie Kohara". JournalismJobs.com. 2001. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  10. ^ "Ziff Davis Media to Regain URLs through agreement with CNET Networks, ZDNet". Ziff Davis Media Press Release. January 23, 2001. Retrieved 2008-01-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 8 (help)
  11. ^ "CNET acquires TechRepublic for $23 million". San Francisco Business Times. April 9, 2001. Retrieved 2008-01-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 6 (help)
  12. ^ "CNET Networks to Acquire Webshots". CNET Networks Investor Relations. July 14, 2004. Retrieved 2008-01-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 5 (help)
  13. ^ "CNet pulls plug on radio program". Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal. January 16, 2003. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 8 (help)
  14. ^ "CNET CEO quits after options review; outlook cut". Reuters. 2006-10-11. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
  15. ^ "CNET Networks rolls out BNET, Web site targeting business managers". BtoB Magazine. March 1, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 6 (help)
  16. ^ "CBS Corporation to acquire CNET Networks, Inc". CBS Corporation. 2008-05-15. Archived from the original on 2008-05-18. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
  17. ^ "CBS to buy CNET Networks". CNET. 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
  18. ^ "CBS buying CNet in online push". CNN. May 15, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2008-05-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 4 (help)
  19. ^ "CBS Corporation completes acquisition of CNET Networks; merges operations into new, espanded CBS Interactive Business Unit". CBS Corporation. 2008-06-30. Retrieved 2008-06-30. [dead link]
  20. ^ CNET TV
  21. ^ CNET TV
  22. ^ CNET
  23. ^ CBS Interactive
  24. ^ "CNET Jan '08 audit figures" (PDF). ABCE. January 15, 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 8 (help)
  25. ^ "CNET audit figures". CNET Networks UK. February 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |date= at position 9 (help)
  26. ^ Needleman, Rafe (2006-11-29). "Webware.com is live!". Rafe's Blog. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  27. ^ "CNET Acquires Photo Service Webshots For $70 Million".
  28. ^ "CNET Networks Announces Sale of Webshots to American Greetings". CNET Networks Investor Relations.
  29. ^ Bowman, Lisa, News.com (1998-11-21). "Snap! Crackle! Popped! CNet hit with suit over portal name". ZDNet News. Retrieved 2008-05-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ "CNET Podcast Central". Retrieved 2007-11-25.
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