{{Short description|American media website about technology}} {{Redirect|News.com|the Australian news website|news.com.au}} {{Use American English|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox website | logo = CNET (2022).svg | screenshot = | collapsible = | collapsetext = | parent = {{ubl|CBS Interactive (2008–2020)|Red Ventures (2020–2024)|Ziff Davis (2024–present)}} | url = {{URL|cnet.com/}} | commercial = Yes | company_type = Subsidiary | language = English, French, Japanese | type = Technology, news | registration = Optional | owner = | author = {{Plainlist| * Halsey Minor * Shelby Bonnie }} | editor = {{Plainlist| * Lindsey Turrentine * Connie Guglielmo }} | name = CNET | industry = Journalism | launch_date = {{Plainlist| * {{start date and age|1992}} (CNET, Inc.) * {{start date and age|1995|06}} (website) }} | current_status = Online }}
'''CNET''' (short for '''Computer Network''')<ref name="Farber-improved" /> is an American media website that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos on technology and consumer electronics globally. CNET originally produced content for radio and television in addition to its website before applying new media distribution methods through its internet television network, CNET Video, and its podcast and blog networks.
Founded in 1992 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through that unit's acquisition of CNET Networks in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3263|title=CBS Corporation to acquire CNET Networks, Inc.|publisher=CBS Corporation| date=May 15, 2008|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080518032023/http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3263 <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=May 18, 2008}}</ref><ref name="CBS to buy CNET Networks">{{cite web|url=http://radargit.com/|title=radargit. Networks|website=CNET|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-date=October 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011183418/http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9944882-7.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://dailybriefing.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/05/15/cbs-buying-cnet-in-online-push/|title=CBS buying CNet in online push|publisher=CNN|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080517215301/http://dailybriefing.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/05/15/cbs-buying-cnet-in-online-push/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=May 17, 2008}}</ref><ref name="cbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3503 |title=CBS Corporation completes acquisition of CNET Networks; merges operations into new, expanded CBS Interactive Business Unit |publisher=CBS Corporation |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=June 30, 2008 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829001159/http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3503 |archive-date=August 29, 2008 }}</ref> Following acquisition by Red Ventures on October 30, 2020,<ref name="redventures-acquisition-prnewswire" /> the website faced criticism for what was described as a decline in quality of its editorial content and factual reliability due to the use of generative AI in the creation of its articles,<ref name="pla" /><ref name=":1" /> as well as concerns over its journalistic integrity regarding increased publication of slanted reviews and sponsored content to benefit its advertising partners.<ref name="ADV" /> On October 1, 2024, CNET was acquired by Ziff Davis.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-01 |title=Ziff Davis Completes One Acquisition in Q3 2024 |url=https://investor.ziffdavis.com/news-events/news/news-details/2024/Ziff-Davis-Completes-One-Acquisition-in-Q3-2024/default.aspx |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Ziff Davis |type=Press release}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Origins === thumb|right|100px|Logo of CNET Networks prior to acquisition by CBS Interactive thumb|right|150px|Former CNET logo from 1994 to 2008 and 2011 to 2022
After leaving PepsiCo, Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie launched c/net, a 24-hour cable network about computers and technology in 1992.<ref name="Farber-improved">{{Cite web |last=Farber |first=Dan |date=2008-06-24 |title=Preview: CNET's new, improved look |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/preview-cnets-new-improved-look/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610060342/https://www.cnet.com/culture/preview-cnets-new-improved-look/ |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=CNET}}</ref> With help from Fox Network co-founder Kevin Wendle<ref name=digitalhollywood>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalhollywood.com/KeynoteKWendle.html |title=Digital Hollywood Conference |date=September 27, 2000 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103085457/http://www.digitalhollywood.com/KeynoteKWendle.html |archive-date=November 3, 2011 }}</ref> and former Disney creative associate Dan Baker,<ref name=cnethistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnetnetworks.com/aboutus/history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406175002/http://www.cnetnetworks.com/aboutus/history.html |url-status = dead|archive-date=April 6, 2005 |title=About Us |publisher=CNET Networks |access-date=June 29, 2007 }}</ref> 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''.<ref name="news.cnet.com">{{Cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/CNET-to-launch-two-new-TV-shows/2100-1023_3-210413.html |title=CNET |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810073340/http://news.cnet.com/CNET-to-launch-two-new-TV-shows/2100-1023_3-210413.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,286315,00.html Entertainment Weekly] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421153829/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C286315%2C00.html |date=April 21, 2009 }}</ref> ''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''.<ref name="news.cnet.com"/> These were later followed by TV.com in 1996. Media personality Ryan Seacrest first came to national prominence at CNET, as the host of ''The New Edge''<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XDB5mn0OMXoC&pg=PA321|title=Biographical Dictionary of Radio|last=Sterling|first=Christopher H.|date=2013-05-13|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-99376-3|pages=321}}</ref> and doing various voice-over work for CNET.
CNET online launched in June 1995.<ref name="Farber-improved" /> CNET, Inc., the site's owner, had its initial public offering (IPO) in July 1996, trading on the NASDAQ National Market as "CNWK".<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-04-22 |title=CNET press releases |url=http://www.cnet.com/Community/Welcome/About/Press/Releases/ipo.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970422065445/http://www.cnet.com/Community/Welcome/About/Press/Releases/ipo.html |archive-date=1997-04-22 |access-date=2022-09-08 }}</ref> In 1998, CNET, Inc. was sued by Snap Technologies, operators of the education service CollegeEdge, for trademark infringement relating to CNET, Inc.'s ownership of the domain name Snap.com, due to Snap Technologies already owning a trademark on its name.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lisa Bowman|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/snap-crackle-popped-cnet-hit-with-suit-over-portal-name/|title=Snap! Crackle! Popped! CNet hit with suit over portal name|publisher=ZDNET News|date=November 21, 1998|access-date=May 11, 2008|archive-date=May 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501152851/http://www.zdnet.com/news/snap-crackle-popped-cnet-hit-with-suit-over-portal-name/101041|url-status=live}}</ref>
CNET produced another television technology news program called ''News.com'' that aired on CNBC beginning in 1999.<ref name=cnethistory/> From 2001 to 2003, it operated CNET Radio on the Clear Channel-owned KNEW (910) in the San Francisco Bay Area, WBPS (890) in Boston, and 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.<ref name="businessjournal">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2003/01/13/daily60.html|title=CNet pulls plug on radio program|publisher=Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal|date=January 16, 2003|access-date=June 29, 2007|archive-date=February 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217191948/http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2003/01/13/daily60.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Acquisitions and expansions=== In July 1999, CNET, Inc. acquired the Swiss-based company GDT, later renamed to CNET Channel.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Aug-1999-8-K">{{cite web|url= http://edgar.secdatabase.com/880/95013499006969/filing-main.htm|title= CNET INC /DE (Form Type: 8-K) |date=Aug 6, 1999 |publisher=SECDatabase|access-date= March 27, 2013|archive-date= May 14, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130514054322/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/880/95013499006969/filing-main.htm|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="CNET-Networks-Apr-2002-10-K">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/294/0001015577-02-000009.pdf|title=CNET Networks Inc (Form: 10-K) |date=Apr 1, 2002|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514044619/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/294/0001015577-02-000009.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, CNET, Inc. granted the right to Asiacontent.com to set up CNET Asia and the operation was brought back in December 2000.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lee-Young |first=Joanne |date=December 15, 2000 |title=CNET-Ziff-Davis Merger Leaves Asiacontent.com Wondering |url=http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/73673/cnet-ziff-davis_merger_leaves_asiacontent_com_wondering |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127004855/http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/73673/cnet-ziff-davis_merger_leaves_asiacontent_com_wondering |archive-date=2011-11-27 |website=Computerworld}}</ref> In January 2000, the same time CNET, Inc. became CNET Networks,<ref name="CNET-Networks-Jan-2000-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/392/95013400000494/filing-main.htm|title=CNET INC /DE (Form 8-K) |date =Jan 24, 2000|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514055524/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/392/95013400000494/filing-main.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> it acquired comparison shopping site mySimon for $736 million.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Mar-2000-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1730/95013400001832/filing-main.htm|title=CNET Networks Inc (Form Type: 8-K) |date =Mar 10, 2000|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514044428/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1730/95013400001832/filing-main.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/289951 |first1=Clint |last1=Boulton |title=CNET Acquires mySimon|publisher=InternetNews|date=January 20, 2000|access-date=January 19, 2008|archive-date=April 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416161552/http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/289951|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2000, CNET Networks acquired ZDNET for approximately $1.6 billion.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Oct-2000-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2772/95013400008872/filing-main.htm|title=CNET Networks Inc (Form Type: 8-K) |date =Oct 27, 2000|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514052701/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2772/95013400008872/filing-main.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="informationweek">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20000719S0010 |first1=Elisabeth |last1=Goodridge |title=Cnet To Buy Ziff Davis|magazine=InformationWeek|date=July 19, 2000|access-date=June 29, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081010002828/http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=6509252 |archive-date= Oct 10, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="kohara">{{cite web|url=http://www.journalismjobs.com/interview_kohara.cfm |title=Interview With CNETnews.com's Sydnie Kohara |publisher=JournalismJobs.com |date=January 2001 |access-date=June 29, 2007 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070413070117/http://www.journalismjobs.com/interview_kohara.cfm |archive-date=April 13, 2007 }}</ref> In January 2001, Ziff Davis reached an agreement with CNET Networks to regain the URLs lost in the 2000 sale of Ziff Davis to SoftBank, a publicly traded Japanese media and technology company. In April 2001, CNET acquired TechRepublic, which provides content for IT professionals from Gartner, for $23 million in cash and stock.<ref name="CNET-Networks-May-2001-10-Q">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1126/101557701500008/filing-main.htm|title=CNET Networks, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date May 14, 2001|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514044914/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1126/101557701500008/filing-main.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2001/04/09/daily5.html|title=CNET acquires TechRepublic for $23 million|newspaper=San Francisco Business Times|date=April 9, 2001|access-date=January 19, 2008|archive-date=February 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229044716/http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2001/04/09/daily5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2002, CNET Networks acquired Smartshop, an automated product catalog and feature comparison technology company, for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/semantic-search-firm-textdigger-nabs-43-million-round/ |title=Semantic Search Firm TextDigger Nabs $4.3 Million Round |work=CBS News |last=Kee |first=Tameka |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421174114/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/semantic-search-firm-textdigger-nabs-43-million-round/ |archive-date=April 21, 2021 }}</ref>
On July 14, 2004, CNET Networks announced that it would acquire photography website Webshots for $70 million ($60 million in cash, $10 million in deferred consideration),<ref name="CNET-Networks-Jul-2004-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2997/101557704000046/filing-main.htm|title=CNET Networks, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jul 21, 2004|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514060543/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2997/101557704000046/filing-main.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> completing the acquisition that same month.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Aug-2004-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/25/0001015577-04-000073.pdf|title=CNET Networks, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Aug 9, 2004|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=Mar 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514042823/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/25/0001015577-04-000073.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/cnet-acquires-photo-service-webshots-for-70-million |title=CNET Acquires Photo Service Webshots For $70 Million |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206131702/http://www.paidcontent.org/entry/cnet-acquires-photo-service-webshots-for-70-million |archive-date=December 6, 2008 }}</ref> In October 2007, it sold Webshots to American Greetings for $45 million.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Oct-2007-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1344/0001193125-07-231235.pdf|title=CNET Networks, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 31, 2007|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=Mar 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514050226/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1344/0001193125-07-231235.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WS-Forbes">{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2007 |title=CNET Sells Off Photo Sharing Site Webshots To American Greetings, For $45 Million |url=https://www.forbes.com/2007/10/25/cnet-webshots-divestiture-tech-cx_pco_1025paidcontent.html |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Forbes |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126004711/https://www.forbes.com/2007/10/25/cnet-webshots-divestiture-tech-cx_pco_1025paidcontent.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2005, CNET Networks acquired Metacritic, a review aggregation website, for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/stories/2005/08/08/daily7.html |title=CNET buys out Metacritic |work=L.A. Biz |date=August 8, 2005 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413235925/http://www.bizjournals.com:80/losangeles/stories/2005/08/08/daily7.html |archive-date=April 13, 2017 }}</ref>
In 2005, Google representatives refused to be interviewed by all CNET reporters for a year after CNET published Google's CEO Eric Schmidt's salary and named the neighborhood where he lives, as well as some of his hobbies and political donations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1032_3-5787483.html|title=Google balances privacy, reach (including Erik Schmidt's personal information)|website=CNET|date=July 14, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2010|archive-date=June 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617060418/http://news.cnet.com/2100-1032_3-5787483.html|url-status=live}}</ref> All the information had been gleaned from Google searches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-chief-my-fears-for-generation-facebook-2055390.html|title=Interview to E. Schmidt|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=August 19, 2010|location=London|first=Jerome|last=Taylor|date=August 18, 2010|archive-date=August 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819045553/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-chief-my-fears-for-generation-facebook-2055390.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/08/05/technology/google_cnet/|title=CNET: We've been blackballed by Google|publisher=CNN|date=August 5, 2005|access-date=August 19, 2010|archive-date=September 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929111803/https://money.cnn.com/2005/08/05/technology/google_cnet/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In September 2006, CNET acquired Chowhound, an online food community.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Munarriz |first=Rick |date=2006-09-20 |title=It's CHOW Time for CNET |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2006/09/20/its-chow-time-for-cnet.aspx |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=The Motley Fool |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203024257/https://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2006/09/20/its-chow-time-for-cnet.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
On October 10, 2006, Shelby Bonnie resigned as chairman and CEO, in addition to two other executives, as a result of a stock options backdating scandal that occurred between 1996 and 2003.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Oct-2006-8-K">{{cite web|url= http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2015/119312506206248/filing-main.htm|title= CNET Networks, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 11, 2006|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date= March 27, 2013|archive-date= May 14, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130514055202/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2015/119312506206248/filing-main.htm|url-status= live}}</ref> This would also cause the firm to restate its financial earnings over 1996 to 2003 for over $105 million in resulting expenses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bloomberg News |date=January 30, 2007 |title=CNet Restatement Goes Back to 1996 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/30/technology/30options.html |access-date=December 17, 2013 |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225114614/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/30/technology/30options.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Securities and Exchange Commission later dropped an investigation into the practice. Neil Ashe was named as the new CEO.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2006-10-11-cnet-ceo_x.htm|title=CNET completes options review, CEO resigns|agency=Reuters|date=October 11, 2006|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219024113/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2006-10-11-cnet-ceo_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/cnet_avoids_backdating_charges/|title=CNET Avoids Backdating Charges|publisher=Aba Journal|date=November 5, 2011|access-date=July 8, 2011|journal=ABA Journal|archive-date=November 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126225954/http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/cnet_avoids_backdating_charges/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/stock-option-backdating-claims-cnet-s-ceo/112445/|title=Stock-Option Backdating Claims CNet's CEO|publisher=AdAge|date=October 11, 2006|access-date=July 8, 2011|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024231224/http://adage.com/article/digital/stock-option-backdating-claims-cnet-s-ceo/112445/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In December 2006, James Kim, an editor at CNET, died in the Oregon wilderness. CNET hosted a memorial show and podcasts dedicated to him.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Meyers|first=Michelle|title=James Kim died of hypothermia, autopsy reveals|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/james-kim-died-of-hypothermia-autopsy-reveals/|access-date=2022-02-13|website=CNET|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213164106/https://www.cnet.com/news/james-kim-died-of-hypothermia-autopsy-reveals/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On March 1, 2007, CNET announced the public launch of BNET, a website targeted towards business managers. BNET had been running under beta status since 2005.<ref name="btob">{{cite news|url=http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070301/FREE/70301001/1078 |title=CNET Networks rolls out BNET, Web site targeting business managers |publisher=BtoB Magazine |date=March 1, 2007 |access-date=June 29, 2007 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928142542/http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070301%2FFREE%2F70301001%2F1078 |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref> In 2008 programmer Chris Wanstrath, who worked on GameSpot and Chowhound, left CNET to start GitHub.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Tom Huddleston |date=2018-06-04 |title=How this 33-year-old college dropout co-founded GitHub, which just sold to Microsoft for $7.5 billion |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/04/chris-wanstrath-co-founded-github-which-microsoft-bought-for-billions.html |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922091454/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/04/chris-wanstrath-co-founded-github-which-microsoft-bought-for-billions.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
===CBS Corporation ownership=== On May 15, 2008, it was announced that CBS Corporation would buy CNET Networks for US$ 1.8 billion.<ref name="CBS to buy CNET Networks"/><ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="CNET-Networks-May-2008-8-K">{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2034/0001193125-08-116630.pdf|title=CNET Networks, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date May 15, 2008|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514043451/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2034/0001193125-08-116630.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3263|title=CBS Corporation to acquire CNET Networks, Inc.|publisher=CBS Corporation |date=May 15, 2008|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080518032023/http://www.cbscorporation.com/news/prdetails.php?id=3263<!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=May 18, 2008}}</ref> On June 30, 2008, the acquisition was completed.<ref name="CNET-Networks-Jul-2008-POS-AM">{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2813/119312508147399/filing-main.htm|title=CNET Networks, Form POS AM, Filing Date Jul 7, 2008|publisher=SECDatabase|access-date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514041653/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2813/119312508147399/filing-main.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Former CNET Networks properties were managed under CBS Interactive at the time. CBS Interactive acquired many domain names originally created by CNET Networks, including download.com, downloads.com, upload.com, news.com, search.com, TV.com, mp3.com, chat.com, computers.com, shopper.com, com.com, and cnet.com. It also held radio.com until CBS Radio was sold to Entercom in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insideradio.com/cbs-shareholders-bought-into-entercom-but-will-they-stay/article_faa93df4-cdc7-11e7-b667-df85c49e2501.html|title=CBS Shareholders Bought Into Entercom. But Will They Stay?|date=2017-11-20|website=Insideradio.com|access-date=May 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728170330/http://www.insideradio.com/cbs-shareholders-bought-into-entercom-but-will-they-stay/article_faa93df4-cdc7-11e7-b667-df85c49e2501.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2011, CNET and CBS Interactive were sued by a coalition of artists (led by FilmOn founder Alki David) for copyright infringement by promoting the download of LimeWire, a popular peer to peer downloading software.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Albanesius, Chloe|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2384913,00.asp |title=CBS, CNET Sued for Copyright Infringement Over LimeWire Distribution |magazine=PC Magazine |date=May 11, 2011 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324042850/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2384913%2C00.asp |archive-date=March 24, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Anderson, Nate|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/05/cnet-sued-over-limewire-blamed-for-internet-piracy-phenomenon.ar|title=CNET sued over LimeWire, blamed for "Internet Piracy Phenomenon"|website=Ars Technica|date=May 4, 2011}}</ref> Although the original suit was voluntarily dropped by Alki David, he vowed to sue at a later date to bring "expanded"<ref>{{cite web|author=Sam Gustin |url=http://paidcontent.org/article/419-alki-david-drops-cnet-lawsuit-vows-to-bring-expanded-action/ |title=Alki David Drops CNET Lawsuit; Vows to Bring 'Expanded' Action |publisher=PaidContent |date=November 16, 2011 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108055848/http://paidcontent.org/article/419-alki-david-drops-cnet-lawsuit-vows-to-bring-expanded-action/ |archive-date=January 8, 2012 }}</ref> action against CBS Interactive. In November 2011, another lawsuit against CBS Interactive was introduced, claiming that CNET and CBS Interactive knowingly distributed LimeWire.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ernesto, torrentfreak.com|url=http://torrentfreak.com/artists-sue-cbs-cnet-for-profiting-from-piracy-111115/|title=Artists Sue CBS, CNET, for Promoting and Profiting from Piracy|publisher=TorrentFreak|date=November 15, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2012|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719224440/http://torrentfreak.com/artists-sue-cbs-cnet-for-profiting-from-piracy-111115/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On September 19, 2013, CBS Interactive launched a Spanish language sister site under the name CNET en Español.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-30677_3-57603575-244/cnet-en-espa-ol-is-here-bienvenidos/|author=Lindsey Turrentine|title=CNET en Español is here. Bienvenidos|publisher=CNET News|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2014|archive-date=October 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012143916/http://news.cnet.com/8301-30677_3-57603575-244/cnet-en-espa-ol-is-here-bienvenidos/|url-status=live}}</ref> It focuses on topics of relevance primarily to Spanish-speaking technology enthusiasts. The site offered a "new perspective" on technology and is under the leadership of managing editor Gabriel Sama.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-30677_3-57599633-244/meet-the-man-who-will-run-cnet-en-espanol/|author=Lindsey Turrentine|title=Meet the man who will run CNET en Español|publisher=CNET News|date=August 22, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2014|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219000055/http://news.cnet.com/8301-30677_3-57599633-244/meet-the-man-who-will-run-cnet-en-espanol/|url-status=live}}</ref> The site not only offered news and tutorials, but also had a robust reviews section that it was led by Juan Garzon. After Red Ventures' acquisition, the company announced the closing of CNET en Español on November 11, 2020, leaving the largest tech site in Spanish in the US out of the market.
In March 2014, CNET refreshed its site by merging with CNET UK and vowing to merge all editions of the agency into a unified agency. This merge brought many changes, foremost of which would be a new user interface and the renaming of CNET TV as CNET Video.
===Red Ventures ownership=== Red Ventures announced in September 2020 that it would acquire CNET from ViacomCBS for $500 million.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Red Ventures acquires CNET Media Group from ViacomCBS for $500M|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/14/red-ventures-acquires-cnet-media-group-from-viacomcbs-for-500m/|access-date=2020-09-14|website=TechCrunch|date=September 14, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512024404/https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/14/red-ventures-acquires-cnet-media-group-from-viacomcbs-for-500m/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2020-09-14|title=ViacomCBS Reaches Deal to Sell CNET for $500 Million to Marketing Firm Red Ventures|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/cnet-viacomcbs-sells-red-ventures-1234768810/|access-date=2020-09-14|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date= 2020-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219232140/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/cnet-viacomcbs-sells-red-ventures-1234768810/|url-status=live}}</ref> The transaction was completed on October 30, 2020.<ref name="redventures-acquisition-prnewswire">{{Cite web|title=Red Ventures Announces Closing of Acquisition of CNET Media Group|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-ventures-announces-closing-of-acquisition-of-cnet-media-group-301163922.html|date=2020-10-30|access-date=2020-11-06|website=PR Newswire|language=en|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608220527/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-ventures-announces-closing-of-acquisition-of-cnet-media-group-301163922.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2022, CNET began publishing articles written with artificial intelligence and edited by humans.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNET Is Quietly Publishing Entire Articles Generated By AI |url=https://futurism.com/the-byte/cnet-publishing-articles-by-ai |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Futurism |date=15 January 2023 |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125090724/https://futurism.com/the-byte/cnet-publishing-articles-by-ai |url-status=live }}</ref> CNET was criticized for failing to disclose that it was using a machine to write articles,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNET's Article-Writing AI Is Already Publishing Very Dumb Errors |url=https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-errors |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Futurism |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125100826/https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-errors |url-status=live }}</ref> and for using human bylines on some AI-generated content until caught by independent investigators.<ref name="money_machine">{{cite news |last1=Vincent |first1=James |title=Inside CNET's AI-powered SEO money machine |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/19/23562966/cnet-ai-written-stories-red-ventures-seo-marketing |work=The Verge |date=19 January 2023 |language=en |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109043552/https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/19/23562966/cnet-ai-written-stories-red-ventures-seo-marketing |url-status=live }}</ref> CNET reviewed those articles in January 2023 after many were found to contain serious errors and plagiarized material.<ref name="errors">{{cite news |last1=Moon |first1=Mariella |title=CNET is reviewing its AI-written articles after being notified of serious errors |url=https://www.engadget.com/cnet-reviewing-ai-written-articles-serious-errors-113041405.html |access-date=20 January 2023 |work=Engaget |date=18 January 2023 |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120044914/https://www.engadget.com/cnet-reviewing-ai-written-articles-serious-errors-113041405.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pla">{{Cite web |last=Christian |first=Jon |date=23 January 2023 |title=CNET's AI Journalist Appears to Have Committed Extensive Plagiarism |url=https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-plagiarism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124193105/https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-plagiarism |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Futurism}}</ref> CNET reporters said Red Ventures pushed them to give more favourable coverage to advertisers and work on sponsored content.<ref name="ADV">{{Cite web |last=Sato |first=Mia |date=2023-02-02 |title=CNET pushed reporters to be more favorable to advertisers, staffers say |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/2/23582046/cnet-red-ventures-ai-seo-advertisers-changed-reviews-editorial-independence-affiliate-marketing |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202224614/https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/2/23582046/cnet-red-ventures-ai-seo-advertisers-changed-reviews-editorial-independence-affiliate-marketing |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, 10% of CNET staff were laid off.<ref name=axios_sale/> Employees unionized in response to the scandal and layoffs, saying AI-generated content posed a danger to their professional reputations.<ref name=axios_sale/><ref name=":0"/><ref name="staff_pushback">{{cite magazine |last1=Harrington |first1=Caitlin |title=CNET Published AI-Generated Stories. Then Its Staff Pushed Back |url=https://www.wired.com/story/cnet-published-ai-generated-stories-then-its-staff-pushed-back/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=2024-03-10 |archive-date=2023-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902124132/https://www.wired.com/story/cnet-published-ai-generated-stories-then-its-staff-pushed-back/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A former staffer demanded that her byline be removed from the site, in order to protect her reputation if her articles were revised by AI.<ref name="journalist_quit">{{cite news |last1=Szczypinski |first1=Sarah |title=CNET Was Treating Staff Like Robots Long Before Publishing AI-Generated Articles |url=https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-journalist-essay |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=Futurism |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310201342/https://futurism.com/cnet-ai-journalist-essay |url-status=live }}</ref>
In August 2023, CNET had deleted thousands of old articles from their website in an effort to raise the search engine optimization rankings on Google Search.<ref name="gizmodo-cnet-removearticles">{{Cite web |last=Germain |first=Thomas |date=2023-08-09 |title=CNET Deletes Thousands of Old Articles to Game Google Search |url=https://gizmodo.com/cnet-deletes-thousands-old-articles-google-search-seo-1850721475 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809192103/https://gizmodo.com/cnet-deletes-thousands-old-articles-google-search-seo-1850721475 |archive-date=2023-08-09 |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=Gizmodo}}</ref><ref name="arstechnica-cnetdelete">{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=2023-08-10 |title=The Internet is not forever after all: CNET deletes old articles to game Google |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/08/the-internet-is-not-forever-after-all-cnet-deletes-old-articles-to-game-google/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810165056/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/08/the-internet-is-not-forever-after-all-cnet-deletes-old-articles-to-game-google/ |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> Before an article is deleted on its website, CNET creates an internal copy and another to Wayback Machine. The writer, if still employed by CNET, is also alerted 10 days in advance.<ref name="gizmodo-cnet-removearticles" /><ref name="theverge-deletearticleseo">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/9/23826342/cnet-content-pruning-deleting-articles-google-seo |title=CNET is deleting old articles to try to improve its Google Search ranking |website=The Verge |first1=Mia |last1=Sato |date=Aug 9, 2023 |access-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816170942/https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/9/23826342/cnet-content-pruning-deleting-articles-google-seo |url-status=live }}</ref> Google said deleting articles to optimize for search engine rankings is not a good practice.<ref name="theverge-deletearticleseo" />
In January 2024, ''Axios'' reported that Red Ventures was exploring a sale of the website, with a goal of attaining at least $250 million for it. The site was profitable at the time.<ref name=axios_sale>{{Cite web |last=Fischer |first=Sara |date=2024-01-16 |title=Scoop: Red Ventures explores sale of CNET |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/01/16/red-ventures-cnet-sale-talks |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=Axios |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116190626/https://www.axios.com/2024/01/16/red-ventures-cnet-sale-talks |url-status=live }}</ref> The approximate halving of CNET's value under Red Ventures' ownership is attributed to interest rates, a slower ad market, and the reputational damage to CNET caused by the AI scandals.<ref name="AI_sale">{{cite news |last1=Harrison Dupré |first1=Maggie |title=CNET's Publisher Having Trouble Selling It Due to AI Scandal |url=https://futurism.com/cnet-for-sale-ai |work=Futurism |access-date=2024-03-10 |archive-date=2024-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310201343/https://futurism.com/cnet-for-sale-ai |url-status=live }}</ref>
On August 6, 2024, the ''New York Times'' reported that Red Ventures had reached an agreement to sell CNET to Ziff Davis for $100 million, subject to regulatory approval.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullin |first=Benjamin |date=2024-08-06 |title=CNET Sold to Ziff Davis in Sign of Possible Media Deals to Come |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/business/media/cnet-ziff-davis.html |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The acquisition was completed in the third quarter of 2024.<ref name=":2" />
== Websites ==
=== CNET Networks === * CNET.com, CNET Taiwan, CNET.co.uk, CNET Channel, CNET.de, CNET AU, CNET Asia, CNET Japan, CNET Gadget * ZDNet.com, ZDNet UK, ZDNet AU, ZDNet.fr, ZDNet DE, ZDNet China, ZDNet Korea * TechRepublic (2001–2021)<ref>{{Cite web |title=TechnologyAdvice buys trade publication |url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/marketing/technologyadvice-buys-trade-publication/article_da5219d8-f909-11eb-81b0-63eea1875e85.html |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Nashville Post |date=August 9, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108175058/https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/marketing/technologyadvice-buys-trade-publication/article_da5219d8-f909-11eb-81b0-63eea1875e85.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ** Silicon.com (2002–2012)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-25 |title=News website Silicon.com set to vanish after almost 15 years |url=http://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jan/25/silicon-com-dissappear |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112174059/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jan/25/silicon-com-dissappear |url-status=live }}</ref> * atlarge.com (2006–2012)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parsons |first=Michael |date=December 4, 2006 |title=Are you atlarge.com? Here's how to travel connected |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/are-you-atlarge-com-heres-how-to-travel-connected/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=CNET |archive-date=2023-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203080352/https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/are-you-atlarge-com-heres-how-to-travel-connected/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * mySimon.com (2008–2020) * ''GameSpot'' (2000–2022) * Webshots (2004–2007)<ref name="WS-Forbes" /> * Chowhound (2006–2022) * MP3.com (2003–2020) * News.com * Download.com * Builder
'''France websites:'''<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Mieux vivre les technologies |url=http://www.cnetfrance.fr/apropos/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228203651/http://www.cnetfrance.fr/apropos/ |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |access-date= |website=CNET France}}</ref> * businessMOBILE.fr * News.fr * Gamekult (2007–2014) * Arts-Culinaires.com * Recettes-de-Cuisine.com * Cuisine-Noel.com * MusicSPOT.fr
'''Japan websites:'''<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=CNET Networks Japan {{!}} Home |url=http://cnetnetworks.jp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710034820/http://cnetnetworks.jp/ |archive-date=July 10, 2007 |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=cnetnetworks.jp }}</ref> * ''GameSpot Japan'' * Tetsudo.com
=== ''Gamecenter'' === CNET launched a website to cover video games, ''CNET Gamecenter'', in the middle of 1996.<ref name="nytimescenter">{{cite web |author=Olafson, Peter |date=December 7, 2000 |title=BASICS; Sites Keep Up With Games and Gamers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/technology/basics-sites-keep-up-with-games-and-gamers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524082242/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/07/technology/basics-sites-keep-up-with-games-and-gamers.html |archive-date= 2018-05-24 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> According to the ''San Francisco Chronicle'', it was "one of the first Web sites devoted to computer gaming news".<ref name="chronicle1">{{cite web |author=Fost, Dan |date=February 15, 2001 |title=Heavy Lifting Begins for Cnet |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Heavy-Lifting-Begins-for-Cnet-Dot-com-downturn-2951969.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523184059/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Heavy-Lifting-Begins-for-Cnet-Dot-com-downturn-2951969.php |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> It became a leading game-focused website;<ref name="eurocnet">{{cite web |author=Vaggabond |date=July 19, 2000 |title=Cnet buys ZDnet |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_28565 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523191403/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_28565 |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |work=Eurogamer}}</ref><ref name="kaput">{{cite web |author=Desslock |date=February 8, 2001 |title=Desslock's Ramblings – Online Commercial Gaming Sites Continue to Disappear – Gamecenter.com (and others) Kaput |url=http://desslock.gamespot.com:80/archives/200102/200102.html#20010208-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011218072753/http://desslock.gamespot.com/archives/200102/200102.html#20010208-01 |archive-date=December 18, 2001 |access-date=June 19, 2019 |work=GameSpot}}</ref> in 1999, ''PC Magazine'' named it one of the hundred-best websites in any field, alongside competitors ''IGN'' and ''GameSpot''.<ref name="pcmagtop100">{{cite journal |author=Willmott, Don |date=February 9, 1999 |title=The 100 Top Web Sites |journal=PC Magazine |volume=18 |page=114 |number=3}}</ref> According to ''Gamecenter'' head Michael Brown, the site received between 50,000 and 75,000 daily visitors by late 2000.<ref name="nytimescenter" /> In May 2000, CNET founded the Gamecenter Alliance network to bring ''Gamecenter'' and four partner websites, including Inside Mac Games, under one banner.<ref name="alliance">{{cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040811071841/http://reviews.cnet.com/html/aboutcnet/press/2000/051100.html |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/html/aboutcnet/press/2000/051100.html |title=CNET Gamecenter Partners with Premier Gaming Sites to Create Elite Alliance |date=May 11, 2000 |location=San Francisco |archive-date=August 11, 2004 |publisher=CNET |url-status=dead |access-date=May 23, 2018}}</ref> Nielsen//NetRatings ranked Gamecenter the sixth-most-popular gaming website in the United States by mid-2000.<ref name="nielsen">{{cite web |author=Strother, Neil |date=June 6, 2000 |title=加熱する米ゲーム市場，人気が高いのはどのサイト？ |url=http://www.zdnet.co.jp/news/0006/06/strother2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816045045/http://www.zdnet.co.jp/news/0006/06/strother2.html |archive-date=August 16, 2000 |work=ZDNet |language=ja}}</ref>
On July 19, 2000, CNET, Inc. made public its plan to buy Ziff-Davis and its ZDNet Internet business for $1.6 billion.<ref name="zdnetbuy">{{cite web |author1=Kuczynski, Alex |author2=Winter, Greg |date=July 20, 2000 |title=CNet Is Buying What Remains Of Ziff-Davis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/20/business/cnet-is-buying-what-remains-of-ziff-davis.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823063448/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/20/business/cnet-is-buying-what-remains-of-ziff-davis.html |archive-date=August 23, 2010 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Because ZDNet had partnered with SpotMedia—parent company of ''GameSpot''—in late 1996,<ref name="spotmedia">{{cite web |author=Staff |date=September 19, 1996 |title=Ziff, SpotMedia Create Mega-Site for Games |url=http://adage.com/article/news/ziff-spotmedia-create-mega-site-games/2392/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523192831/http://adage.com/article/news/ziff-spotmedia-create-mega-site-games/2392/ |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |work=Ad Age}}</ref> the acquisition brought both ''GameSpot'' and ''Gamecenter'' under CNET, Inc.'s ownership.<ref name="eurocnet" /><ref name="registergc">{{cite web |author=Smith, Andrew |date=February 7, 2001 |title=CNET shuts Gamecenter |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/02/07/cnet_shuts_gamecenter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204094044/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/02/07/cnet_shuts_gamecenter/ |archive-date=December 4, 2004 |work=The Register}}</ref> Later that year, ''The New York Times'' described the two publications as the "''Time'' and ''Newsweek'' of gaming sites". The paper reported that ''Gamecenter'' "seem[ed] to be thriving" amid the dot-com crash, with its revenue distributed across online advertising and an affiliate sales program with CNET's ''Game Shopper'' website,<ref name="nytimescenter" /> launched in late 1999.<ref name="gameshopper">{{cite press release |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180523194546/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET's+Gamecenter.com+Launches+Game+Shopper-a056951387 |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/CNET%27s+Gamecenter.com+Launches+Game+Shopper-a056951387 |title=CNET's Gamecenter.com Launches Game Shopper |date=October 27, 1999 |publisher=PR Newswire |location=San Francisco |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=November 16, 2018 }}</ref>
Following an almost $400 million loss at CNET as a result of the dot-com crash, the company ended the Gamecenter Alliance network in January 2001.<ref name="registergc" /><ref name="euroclosure">{{cite web |author=Bramwell, Tom |date=February 7, 2001 |title=CNet culls GameCenter |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_30103 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523200151/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_30103 |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |work=Eurogamer}}</ref> On February 7, ''Gamecenter'' itself was closed in a redundancy reduction effort, as ''GameSpot'' was the more successful of the two sites.<ref name="chronicle1" /><ref name="registergc" /> Around 190 jobs were cut from CNET during this period,<ref name="euroclosure" /> including "at least 20" at ''Gamecenter'', according to the ''San Francisco Chronicle''.<ref name="chronicle1" /> Discussing the situation, Tom Bramwell of ''Eurogamer'' reported, "It is thought [...] that very few if any of the website's staff will move sideways into jobs at ''GameSpot'', now the company's other gaming asset."<ref name="euroclosure" /> ''The Washington Post'' later noted that ''Gamecenter'' was among the "popular video-game news sites" to close in 2001, alongside Daily Radar.<ref name="wapogc">{{cite news |author=Musgrove, Mike |date=August 3, 2001 |title=Magazines Whose Time Has Gone |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2001/08/03/magazines-whose-time-has-gone/2cfa9df2-1610-4230-a9ed-85a0be911d5e/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151241/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2001/08/03/magazines-whose-time-has-gone/2cfa9df2-1610-4230-a9ed-85a0be911d5e/ |archive-date= 2018-05-24 }}</ref>
== Criticism ==
=== Hopper controversy === In January 2013, CNET named Dish Network's "Hopper with Sling" digital video recorder as a nominee for the CES "Best in Show" award (which is decided by CNET on behalf of its organizers), and named it the winner in a vote by the site's staff. However, CBS abruptly disqualified the Hopper, and vetoed the results because the company was in active litigation with Dish Network. CNET also announced that it could no longer review any product or service provided by companies that CBS are in litigation with (which also includes Aereo). The new vote subsequently gave the Best in Show award to the Razer Edge tablet instead.<ref name="wsj-hopper">{{cite news|title=Dish Recorder Snubbed for CNET Award Over CBS Legal Scuffle|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/01/10/dish-recorder-snubbed-for-cnet-award-over-cbs-legal-scuffle/|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=January 11, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112233243/http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/01/10/dish-recorder-snubbed-for-cnet-award-over-cbs-legal-scuffle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=pcmag-cnethopper/><ref name=verge-cescbs/>
Dish Network's CEO Joe Clayton said that the company was "saddened that CNET's staff is being denied its editorial independence because of CBS' heavy-handed tactics."<ref name="wsj-hopper"/> On January 14, 2013, editor-in-chief Lindsey Turrentine addressed the situation, stating that CNET's staff were in an "impossible" situation due to the conflict of interest posed by the situation, and promised that she would do everything within her power to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. The conflict also prompted one CNET senior writer, Greg Sandoval, to resign.<ref name=pcmag-cnethopper>{{cite magazine|last=Albanesius|first=Chloe|title=CNET Picked Dish Hopper as 'Best of CES' ... Until CBS Stepped In|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2414276,00.asp|magazine=PC Magazine|access-date=January 14, 2013|archive-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117060254/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2414276,00.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
The decision also drew the ire of staff from the Consumer Electronics Association, the organizers of CES; CEO Gary J. Shapiro criticized the decision in a ''USA Today'' op-ed column and a statement by the CEA, stating that "making television easier to watch is not against the law. It is simply pro-innovation and pro-consumer." Shapiro felt that the decision also hurt the confidence of CNET's readers and staff, "destroying its reputation for editorial integrity in an attempt to eliminate a new market competitor." As a result of the controversy and fearing damage to the show's brand, the CEA announced on January 31, 2013, that CNET will no longer decide the CES Best in Show award winner due to the interference of CBS (the position has been offered to other technology publications), and the "Best in Show" award was jointly awarded to both the Hopper with Sling and Razer Edge.<ref name=verge-cescbs>{{cite web|title=CNET loses CES awards following Dish Hopper controversy; DVR named 'Best In Show'|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/1/31/3937476/cnet-loses-ces-awards-following-dish-hopper-controversy-dvr-named|website=The Verge|date=January 31, 2013|access-date=January 31, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018020224/https://www.theverge.com/2013/1/31/3937476/cnet-loses-ces-awards-following-dish-hopper-controversy-dvr-named|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Malware in downloads === With a catalog of more than 400,000 titles, the Downloads section of the website allows users to download popular software. CNET's download.com provides Windows, Macintosh, and mobile software for download. CNET claims that this software is free of spyware, but independent sources have confirmed that this is not the case. While Download.com is overall a safe place to download programs, precautions should be taken before downloading from the site, as some downloads do contain malware.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 Dec 2011 |title=Nmap Announce: C-Net Download.Com is now bundling Nmap with malware! |url=http://seclists.org/nmap-announce/2011/5 |website=Seclists.org |access-date=November 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123053228/http://seclists.org/nmap-announce/2011/5 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Lee |date=August 22, 2011 |title=Download.com wraps downloads in bloatware, lies about motivations |url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/93504-download-com-wraps-downloads-in-bloatware-lies-about-motivations |website=ExtremeTech |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=November 11, 2015 |archive-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003075625/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/93504-download-com-wraps-downloads-in-bloatware-lies-about-motivations |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Heddings |first=Lowell |date=Apr 3, 2017 |title=Here's What Happens When You Install the Top 10 Download.com Apps |url=http://www.howtogeek.com/198622/heres-what-happens-when-you-install-the-top-10-download.com-apps/ |website=How-To Geek |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626142820/http://www.howtogeek.com/198622/heres-what-happens-when-you-install-the-top-10-download.com-apps/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 27, 2012 |title=Download.com Caught Adding Malware to Nmap & Other Software |url=http://insecure.org/news/download-com-fiasco.html |website=Insecure.org |access-date=June 25, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107104719/http://insecure.org/news/download-com-fiasco.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== AI-generated content (2023) === In January 2023, Wikipedia editors began the process of downgrading CNET's reliability rating as a source following the revelation that CNET was publishing content generated by artificial intelligence. In response to the decision, CNET claimed it maintained high editorial standards, stating, "It is important to clarify that CNET is not actively using AI to create new content. While we have no specific plans to restart, any future initiatives would follow our public AI policy."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Dupré |first=Maggie Harrison |date=29 February 2024 |title=Wikipedia No Longer Considers CNET a "Generally Reliable" Source After AI Scandal |url=https://futurism.com/wikipedia-cnet-unreliable-ai |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Futurism |archive-date=2024-02-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229230807/https://futurism.com/wikipedia-cnet-unreliable-ai |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=2024-02-29 |title=AI-generated articles prompt Wikipedia to downgrade CNET's reliability rating |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/wikipedia-downgrades-cnets-reliability-rating-after-ai-generated-articles/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=2024-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305194215/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/wikipedia-downgrades-cnets-reliability-rating-after-ai-generated-articles/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also== * ZDNet *''TechCrunch'' *''TechRadar'' *''Wired''
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.cnet.com/}}
{{Ziff Davis}} {{Red Ventures}} {{Paramount Global}} {{Authority control}}
Category:CNET Category:2008 mergers and acquisitions Category:2020 mergers and acquisitions Category:2024 mergers and acquisitions Category:American technology news websites Category:Computing culture Category:Download websites Category:Former CBS Interactive websites Category:Internet properties established in 1994 Category:Red Ventures Category:Video game culture