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CBS buys CNET, TV.com, and MP3.com for 1.8 billion
By braddock | May 15, 2008
Oh man, this makes me feel queezy. CBS has purchased CNET Networks. In this time of corporate consolidation, a bunch of my favorite sites just gained new bosses. Here’s a snippet of the press release from CNET.
CNET Networks operates a global network of sites that include consumer facing technology review sites, such as CNET.co.uk, CNET.com and SmartPlanet.com, business sites such as ZDNet and silicon.com and general entertainment sites such as TV.com and MP3.com. CBS owns one of the largest televisions stations in the US as well as major online brands such as LastFM and CBSSports.com.
I visit alot of those sites on a daily basis, and have grown comfortable with their editorial flavor. The potential for staff shake-ups and reorganization worries me.
I depend on CNET news to give me the straight scoop on tech stories. Alot of the social networking sites are filled with tech news, but the stories are often peppered with personal opinion and rumor. Sometimes it feels like a game of Chinese whispers. I just hope the CNET news department maintains autonomy.
I hate to admit it, but I spend alot of time on TV.com too. If I get word of a great new show I can look it up on TV.com and get reviews and ratings from individual viewers. I can also find summaries of older episodes if I’m looking for a particular moment in the shows history. TV.com and torrents beat the pants off TV Guide and Tivo any day. Are the reviews of CBS shows going to turn into homogenized blurbs from the CBS PR department?
I fear change.
Here’s a video report
CBS buys CNET for 1.8 billion
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Topics: Meet the Internets |
