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CNET

CNET is an digital media company specializing in , offering expert reviews, news, and analysis on , software, services, and emerging trends. Founded in 1992 by and Shelby Bonnie in as an online source for information, it initially launched a cable television network called CNET: The in 1994 before debuting its flagship , CNET.com, in 1995 amid the early days of the commercial . The company quickly expanded during the dot-com boom, going public in 1996 and attracting investments from figures like co-founder , while building a portfolio that included shopping comparison site mySimon.com and enterprise-focused TechRepublic. By the early 2000s, CNET Networks had acquired major assets such as Media (including ) for $1.6 billion in 2000, solidifying its position as a leading tech media conglomerate. Ownership shifted dramatically over the decades: it became part of Interactive following CBS Corporation's $1.8 billion acquisition of CNET Networks in 2008, then was sold to for approximately $500 million in 2020, and most recently acquired by —a digital publisher of sites like and —for more than $100 million in September 2024. Under , CNET continues to operate from , testing over 1,000 products annually in dedicated labs and reaching tens of millions of users monthly through its website, which garners about 28 million average monthly U.S. visitors as of January 2024, alongside a following exceeding 73 million as of 2024. Its editorial approach emphasizes unbiased, hands-on evaluations to guide consumers, having evolved from pager-era PC reviews to coverage of milestones like the launch in 2007 and the in the 2020s, while navigating controversies such as the 2023 use of AI-generated content.

History

Origins and Founding

CNET was founded in 1992 by in as an online source of technology-related news and information, with the aim of becoming a leading provider of consumer-focused tech content through digital and broadcast channels. Minor, a graduate with a background in —including building one of the world's first intranets for Merrill Lynch in 1990—envisioned a platform that would deliver accessible technology insights to a broad audience during the emerging era. He co-founded the company with Shelby Bonnie, a managing director at the firm , who joined as and provided essential early funding, including $25,000 in seed capital. In 1994, the company expanded its scope by launching a network called C/NET: The , featuring the show C/NET Central to complement its growing online presence. This multimedia approach reflected the founders' goal of educating consumers on rapidly evolving , from computers to emerging software, at a time when the was still in its infancy. Bonnie's experience in finance and investment, combined with Minor's technical passion, positioned CNET to capitalize on the dot-com boom by prioritizing user-friendly content over expert jargon. The pivotal launch of CNET.com occurred in June 1995, marking the debut of the website as an interactive dedicated to news, product reviews, and software downloads. This emphasized making complex tech information approachable for non-experts, with early content focusing on PC hardware, peripherals, and consumer gadgets amid the explosive growth of the . By mid-1995, the site had attracted 43,000 registered users, demonstrating immediate appeal. CNET's rapid ascent continued into 1996, when the site achieved 9 million daily page views, solidifying its status as one of the earliest major dedicated websites and a in online media. The company's that year further fueled its expansion, underscoring the viability of consumer tech journalism in the burgeoning digital landscape.

Early Growth and Acquisitions

Following its initial launch, CNET expanded rapidly in the late 1990s by acquiring complementary tech-focused properties to build a diversified online network. In July 2000, CNET announced the acquisition of for $1.6 billion in , a deal completed in October that integrated key assets such as , , and other technology publications into its portfolio. This move significantly bolstered CNET's global reach in and online content, combining Ziff-Davis's established print and digital brands with CNET's web-centric model. The Ziff-Davis acquisition prompted the rebranding and restructuring of the parent entity as CNET Networks in October 2000, creating a unified company that encompassed flagship sites like CNET.com, , and , along with emerging properties focused on gaming and software. Earlier that year, in March 2000, CNET had acquired the comparison-shopping engine mySimon for about $700 million in stock, further diversifying into tools that allowed users to compare product prices across retailers. In April 2001, CNET extended its enterprise reach by purchasing TechRepublic from for $23 million in cash and stock, incorporating a professional community for IT managers and adding over 1.5 million registered users to its audience. These expansions drove substantial audience growth, with the post-merger CNET Networks achieving an unduplicated monthly unique visitor base of 16.6 million by late 2000, up from CNET's standalone 10 million in early 2000. To capitalize on this momentum, CNET diversified beyond digital platforms, launching CNET Radio in January 2000 through a with AMFM Inc., marking the first all-technology in the U.S. with broadcasts on stations like KNEW in and XM Satellite Radio. The company also ventured into live events, hosting tech-focused gatherings that complemented its online and broadcast offerings, solidifying its position as a tech authority during the dot-com era.

CBS Corporation Ownership

In May 2008, CBS Corporation announced its acquisition of CNET Networks for $1.8 billion in cash, a deal that positioned CBS as one of the top 10 U.S. companies by audience reach. The transaction was completed on June 30, 2008, after which CNET became a wholly owned and was merged into Interactive, the company's division, to bolster its online and offerings. This integration allowed CBS to leverage CNET's established brands, such as CNET.com and , alongside its broadcast assets for cross-promotion and expanded . Post-acquisition, CNET's operations saw enhancements in content delivery, including a significant push toward video programming with the introduction of features on its to improve user engagement and ad opportunities within Interactive. The headquarters remained in , with affirming its commitment to retaining the existing management and location to ensure continuity. In 2010, CNET launched dedicated mobile applications for and devices, enabling on-the-go access to tech news, reviews, and videos, which aligned with the rising popularity of smartphones. CNET also expanded its global footprint under CBS, building on pre-existing international sites like CNET UK (launched in 2003) by refreshing its localized Australian edition in 2014—originally launched in 1999 through a partnership with —to deliver region-specific tech coverage and reviews. Staff growth supported these initiatives, with the CNET Media Group employing nearly 1,000 people by 2020 as part of broader expansions in editorial, video production, and international teams within Interactive. Financially, the acquisition contributed to CBS's digital revenue streams, with CNET's pre-deal annual revenue of approximately $406 million in 2007 growing alongside the division's advertising and sponsorship income; CBS Interactive reported revenue increases driven by display ads and content syndication, reaching over $1 billion in total divisional revenues by the mid-2010s. In 2019, as CBS Corporation merged with Viacom to form ViacomCBS, CNET was positioned within the new entity's digital portfolio, with internal preparations underway to evaluate and optimize non-core assets like technology media properties amid the evolving media landscape.

Red Ventures Ownership

In October 2020, acquired CNET Media Group from ViacomCBS for $500 million, marking a shift from its previous corporate ownership under CBS Interactive. The deal, announced in September and closed later that month, integrated CNET into ' portfolio of and marketing brands, emphasizing performance-based models. As part of the , CNET implemented immediate reductions of at least 10%, affecting around 100 employees across , video, and support roles to align with the new owner's cost-efficiency goals. Under , CNET underwent further operational changes, including multiple rounds of layoffs between 2021 and 2023 that collectively reduced staff by approximately 20%, with notable cuts in 2023 impacting about 10% of the remaining , particularly in and video teams. These reductions coincided with a strategic pivot toward and (SEO)-optimized content, as prioritized high-intent topics like to drive revenue through partnerships and commissions. CNET expanded its coverage into , leveraging synergies with sister properties like Bankrate to produce review and advice articles that incorporated affiliate links, reflecting the parent company's focus on monetizable digital experiences. This era also saw financial pressures from broader advertising market slowdowns, contributing to a significant decline in CNET's valuation to around $100 million by 2024. The emphasis on commercial content drew increased criticism for compromising , with reports of pressure on journalists to produce favorable reviews for advertisers and integrate sponsored elements into articles. Staffers noted conflicts, such as directives to prioritize affiliate-driven narratives over objective reporting, which eroded CNET's reputation for trusted tech journalism. These tensions, amid cost-cutting and revenue shifts, laid the groundwork for experimental approaches like AI-generated articles in 2023, as sought efficiencies in content production.

Ziff Davis Acquisition

On August 6, 2024, Red Ventures announced the sale of CNET to Ziff Davis for more than $100 million, with the deal closing on October 1, 2024. The transaction marked CNET's fourth ownership change in less than two decades, following its $500 million acquisition by Red Ventures in 2020. Ziff Davis, which maintains approximately $800 million in cash reserves to fuel , viewed the purchase as a strategic opportunity to bolster its portfolio in the sector. The acquisition creates synergies with Ziff Davis's existing brands, including , , , and Lifehacker, by integrating CNET's established audience of over 38 million monthly visitors and its focus on tech reviews and news to enhance advertiser appeal and content distribution. Ziff Davis CEO Vivek Shah emphasized CNET's value as a trusted brand for providing tech guidance amid increasingly complex consumer products. At the time of the announcement, indicated no immediate plans for major structural changes, including retention of CNET's headquarters and a commitment to preserving its editorial operations. However, in July 2025, laid off 23 unionized employees across its properties, with 19 positions cut at CNET, primarily in editorial roles covering , , and consumer tech. The deal also carries historical irony, as CNET Networks had acquired in 2000 for $1.6 billion in stock, effectively closing a 24-year ownership loop.

Content and Platforms

Core Website and Editorial Focus

CNET.com launched in as a pioneering online platform dedicated to delivering news, product reviews, buying guides, and instructional articles to an emerging audience during the dot-com boom. Founded amid the rapid growth of personal and early adoption, the site quickly established itself as a central hub for consumers seeking reliable information on , software, and emerging . The core editorial focus of CNET.com centers on comprehensive coverage of consumer technology, encompassing in-depth reviews of gadgets such as smartphones and laptops, alongside daily news updates on major industry events like CES and Apple's WWDC. Content pillars include expert-driven product evaluations that test performance, usability, and value; timely reporting on innovations in , devices, and smart home technologies; and practical how-to guides that assist users in navigating tech purchases and setups. This approach prioritizes unbiased analysis to empower informed , with elements like videos enhancing for diverse audiences. Over the years, CNET.com has evolved from primarily text-based articles in its early days to a multimedia-rich platform by the 2010s, incorporating video reviews, podcasts, and newsletters to broaden engagement. Key developments include the establishment of CNET Labs in 2013, which conducts rigorous hands-on testing of over 1,000 products annually, totaling more than 10,000 hours of evaluation to support review accuracy. Podcasts such as "Tech Today," which delivers daily breakdowns of top tech stories, and a suite of newsletters covering news, deals, and expert advice, have expanded reach, with the site attracting 28 million monthly U.S. page views as of 2024. This shift reflects adaptations to changing consumer habits, including the rise of mobile access and on-demand content. Distinctive features of CNET.com include its expert ratings system, where products receive detailed scores based on lab and real-world testing, and integrated price tools that highlight deals across retailers to aid budgeting. The Editors' Choice awards recognize standout products and services, influencing consumer purchases by spotlighting those that excel in innovation and reliability. These elements, combined with versus pages, provide users with side-by-side analyses to streamline decisions in a crowded market.

Download.com and Software Services

Download.com, launched in 1996 as part of CNET Networks, served as a download directory, providing an online hub for demo titles and applications that were previously distributed primarily via CD-ROMs. The site quickly established itself as a major resource for , offering users access to a wide range of programs without cost, and grew into one of the most popular platforms in the early era. The platform features a curated of software and apps compatible with Windows, , , and devices, spanning categories such as , utilities, , and productivity tools. Each title includes editor reviews, user ratings, and descriptions to help users evaluate options, with the site positioning itself as a source for safe, trusted, and spyware-free downloads through verification processes. Safety scans are conducted to ensure the integrity of hosted files, reducing risks associated with third-party software acquisition. Monetization occurs primarily through affiliate links embedded in download pages and recommendations, allowing CNET to earn commissions on purchases or subscriptions directed to partner vendors. Premium placements for select software titles enable developers to gain visibility in exchange for fees, while with CNET's broader editorial content facilitates , directing users from reviews on the main site to relevant downloads. Over time, the service evolved from its original standalone domain to closer alignment with the CNET brand, now operating as with expanded support for mobile apps and broader device compatibility. This reorientation reflected shifts in user behavior toward mobile ecosystems, incorporating dedicated sections for and applications to meet growing demand for on-the-go software access. The platform maintains its role in software services by combining distribution with evaluative tools, complementing CNET's core website through seamless navigation between news, reviews, and direct downloads.

Gaming and Specialized Media

CNET launched its dedicated gaming portal, Gamecenter, in mid-1996, providing comprehensive coverage of through reviews, news, previews, and software downloads. The site quickly established itself as one of the earliest online hubs for content, targeting the growing PC and console markets during the mid-1990s expansion of . In July 2000, CNET acquired for $1.6 billion in stock, bringing the popular gaming site —launched by ZDNet in May 1996—under the CNET Networks umbrella and consolidating resources for enhanced journalism. Following the acquisition, Gamecenter was merged into to streamline operations, with the standalone Gamecenter site discontinued in February 2001 amid a sharp decline in advertising revenue post-dot-com crash. Despite the closure, CNET continued to integrate gaming reviews and analysis directly into its main platform, maintaining a presence in the sector through ongoing editorial output on CNET.com. Today, CNET's gaming coverage emphasizes specialized topics such as , (VR), (AR), and console hardware. The site produces in-depth articles on developments, including the International Olympic Committee's inaugural Olympic Esports Games in and the genre's global viewership trends exceeding 200 million casual fans annually. For and AR technologies, CNET offers hands-on reviews of devices like the and , highlighting advancements in mixed-reality hardware and their implications for immersive gaming. Console coverage includes expert evaluations of systems such as the PlayStation 5 Pro, focusing on performance upgrades and ecosystem integration rather than exhaustive benchmarks. CNET has maintained active involvement in major gaming events, providing on-site reporting and previews from gatherings like , where it covers announcements from Opening Night Live and exhibitor demos. Historically, the outlet contributed to Electronic Entertainment Expo () discourse through analysis of key reveals, though its role shifted to broader event commentary as E3 evolved and ultimately concluded in 2023. Since acquired CNET in September 2024 for over $100 million, the platform's efforts have integrated with 's broader portfolio, particularly , to amplify content reach and drive segment revenue growth of 7.5% in Q2 2025. This synergy has enabled cross-promotion of reviews, event coverage, and insights, positioning CNET as a complementary resource within 's and vertical.

Controversies

2013 CES Hopper Award Interference

At the 2013 (CES), CNET's editorial team of approximately 40 editors initially selected Network's Hopper with Sling whole-home HD DVR as the "Best of Show" winner, praising its innovative AutoHop feature that enabled automatic commercial skipping. This choice highlighted the device's groundbreaking approach to enhancing user control over television viewing. However, , CNET's parent company at the time, intervened due to an ongoing it had filed against in October 2012, alleging that AutoHop infringed copyrights by enabling unauthorized recording and distribution of broadcast content. directed CNET to disqualify the from consideration, citing a corporate policy against reviewing or awarding products from litigants. As a result, CNET's editors were compelled to recast their votes on the morning of the awards announcement, ultimately selecting LG's 84-inch Ultra HD television as the new "Best of Show" recipient. CNET publicly disclosed the disqualification in a statement, noting: "The with was removed from consideration due to active litigation involving our parent company Corp." The interference sparked significant fallout within CNET and the tech media community. On January 14, 2013, senior reporter Greg Sandoval resigned, publicly stating on Twitter that he had lost confidence in CBS's commitment to editorial independence, declaring, "I just want to be known as an honest reporter who never sold out." His departure was the first high-profile exit tied to the incident, underscoring internal tensions. Public backlash was swift and widespread, with critics accusing CBS of censorship and prioritizing corporate litigation over journalistic integrity; Dish Network issued statements decrying the move as unfair interference that undermined the awards' credibility. In response, the Consumer Electronics Association severed its partnership with CNET for future CES awards, citing the controversy as a breach of impartiality. The episode illuminated broader tensions between corporate ownership and media independence in tech , temporarily eroding CNET's reputation for unbiased coverage. It drew scrutiny to how parent company interests could influence editorial decisions, prompting discussions on in awards processes and the risks of in media. Despite the damage, CNET editor Lindsey Turrentine affirmed the site's dedication to quality , apologizing for limited initial while emphasizing the team's integrity.

Malware Issues in Downloads

During the late and early , CNET's Download.com faced significant for bundling third-party and toolbars with legitimate software downloads, often without clear user consent, resulting in unwanted installations that compromised user . This practice, which intensified around 2011, involved wrapping installers with potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) such as the Babylon Toolbar, StartNow Toolbar, and module, leading to , unauthorized search engine changes, and system performance degradation. For instance, downloads of popular tools like and were affected, with CNET's custom installer flagged as a by multiple antivirus scanners, including those on , where it was detected by 10 out of 39 products. Users frequently reported infections that altered default browser settings to promote affiliated search engines like and injected intrusive ads, eroding trust in the platform as a safe source for software. Key incidents highlighted the severity of these issues, particularly in 2011 when developers of , including the project, discovered that Download.com had violated licenses by embedding like Drop Down Deals—a program that monitored to display pop-up advertisements—directly into installers. This bundling extended to thousands of packages, deceiving users during the installation process and prompting widespread backlash from the tech . By 2013, user complaints persisted on forums and review sections of Download.com itself, with reports of additional toolbars such as SweetPacks and Delta Toolbar being installed alongside utilities like audio drivers and media players, causing persistent browser redirects and difficulties in removal. These events not only exposed users to risks but also blurred the line between legitimate and dissemination, as the bundled components were often classified as PUPs by firms like . In response to the outcry, CNET issued statements in December 2011 denying routine bundling with and committed to halting the practice for such titles, while revising the installer to include more prominent options during setup. The company also removed affected projects like from its site by mid-2012 and introduced an alpha version of an installer to improve transparency. However, these changes did not immediately extend to all , and complaints about bundled PUPs continued into the mid-2010s, prompting CNET to implement stricter safety protocols and clearer disclosures over time. Despite these efforts, the scandals contributed to a lasting loss of user confidence, with many recommending direct downloads from developer websites or alternatives like to avoid risks.

2023 AI-Generated Content Experiment

In late 2022 and early 2023, CNET conducted an undisclosed experiment using to generate articles on topics, publishing 77 such pieces between November 2022 and January 2023. These articles were credited under pseudonyms, including "CNET Money Staff," and involved minimal human editing to refine the output. The initiative, developed in-house by CNET's owner , aimed to produce SEO-optimized content efficiently but lacked initial transparency about involvement. The experiment quickly drew criticism due to factual inaccuracies and in the articles. For instance, one piece on erroneously claimed that a $10,000 deposit at 3% annual would yield $10,300 after one year, overlooking that only $300 in accrues on . Plagiarism issues emerged as well, with verbatim phrases lifted from competitors like , such as in an article about closing bank accounts. By February 2023, an revealed that over 50% of the articles—specifically 41 out of 77—required corrections for errors ranging from minor phrasing issues to substantial factual distortions. In response, CNET paused all AI-generated content publication on January 20, 2023, following exposure by outlets like and internal staff concerns over transparency and job security. The company issued apologies, added editorial notes to affected articles detailing changes, and updated bylines to "By CNET Money" for clarity. This scandal contributed to broader cost-cutting measures under , including a 10% staff reduction in March 2023, amid efforts to address financial pressures. Staff pushback led to unionization efforts, with over 100 employees demanding protections against AI-driven job . The incident inflicted lasting reputational harm, culminating in Wikipedia's editors downgrading CNET to a "generally unreliable" source in early due to the undisclosed use, errors, and . It underscored ethical challenges in -assisted , sparking industry-wide debates on disclosure, accuracy, and the risks of automating without rigorous oversight.

Current Status

Operations under Ziff Davis

Following the completion of 's acquisition of CNET in the third quarter of 2024, the publication integrated into the company's broader portfolio of and media brands, maintaining its headquarters in with an editorial and operational staff estimated at around 500 employees as of mid-2025, after accounting for industry-wide adjustments. This structure allows for synergies with sister properties like , including shared event coverage and award programs under the CNET Group umbrella, such as collaborative Best of CES evaluations that leverage combined expertise in and analysis. Operations emphasize streamlined content production, with editorial teams focusing on high-impact tech reviews, news, and multimedia to optimize resource allocation across 's network. CNET's business model under centers on a mix of , affiliate partnerships, and audience engagement tools, with revenue streams from diversified sources like sponsored content and performance marketing. In Q3 2025, CNET contributed to 's Technology & Shopping segment, which reported $85.2 million in revenue. A key emphasis has been on subscription-like newsletters, such as the CNET Deals series, which deliver curated offers and insights to millions of subscribers, driving user retention and affiliate earnings. Event coverage remains a cornerstone, exemplified by extensive live blogs, videos, and on-site reporting from major gatherings like CES 2025 in January, where CNET provided real-time updates on emerging technologies from . Similarly, WWDC 2025 coverage in June highlighted Apple's software announcements through in-depth videos and articles, underscoring CNET's role in timely, accessible tech journalism. Key activities have expanded into video production, with CNET's YouTube channel and site integrating more dynamic content formats to engage global audiences, including hands-on demos and expert breakdowns that complement written reviews. International reach has grown through localized efforts, such as CNET en Español, which tailors content for Spanish-speaking markets in over 10 countries across Latin America and Spain, alongside English-language adaptations for broader global accessibility. This approach supports Ziff Davis's performance marketing initiatives, enhancing affiliate conversions in diverse regions. Despite these advancements, CNET faces ongoing challenges in navigating the ad market's recovery, with reporting 5.9% year-over-year growth in advertising and performance marketing for Q3 2025 amid broader volatility. Efficiency drives have included workforce reductions, such as the July 2025 layoffs affecting approximately 15% of unionized staff primarily at CNET, aimed at reallocating resources without broader structural overhauls, though no additional major cuts have been announced since. These measures reflect a strategic focus on cost optimization while sustaining core operations and content quality.

Editorial Policies and Tech Journalism Role

CNET's editorial policies emphasize rigorous human oversight in , particularly following the pause on generative usage implemented in early after an experimental program produced 34 articles across CNET, including in its section, some with inaccuracies. As of 2025, the outlet prohibits the use of generative for core text, images, or videos in standard articles, restricting it to demonstrative pieces on tools or minor tasks, with all output requiring full human review, , and editing by staff writers. Any -assisted elements, such as those from internal tools like the now-suspended RAMP system, are clearly disclosed via byline labels like "Assisted by ," ensuring for readers. In line with these guidelines, CNET maintains strict standards for in sponsorships and affiliations, contacting relevant companies or individuals for comment before publishing impactful stories and labeling sponsored content distinctly from material. Post-2023, enhanced protocols involve multiple layers of verification in its Testing Labs and reviews, prioritizing accuracy in product evaluations and reporting to rebuild trust after the AI experiment. The organization also commits to in its expert reviewers and coverage, drawing from a broad pool of voices in to reflect varied perspectives, though specific metrics on representation, such as gender balance, align with industry-wide efforts to increase inclusion in leadership and bylines. The CNET Group commands significant influence with approximately 65 million global monthly unique visitors, positioning CNET among the top outlets for consumer technology insights and trendsetting. It shapes buyer decisions through programs like the Editors' Choice awards, which highlight standout products based on hands-on testing, and collaborative recognitions such as the official Best of CES honors, where CNET Group serves as a media partner alongside outlets like and . Extensive coverage of major events, including live reporting from and Meta Connect, further amplifies its role in disseminating updates on innovations like integrations and XR hardware. Looking ahead, CNET focuses on bolstering original, investigative to counter the proliferation of AI-generated across the , maintaining its commitment to in-depth analysis amid evolving technologies. This includes educating audiences on emerging areas such as (XR) devices and sustainable gadgets, with dedicated coverage of trends like eco-friendly solar-powered tech and energy-efficient data centers to guide ethical consumer choices in 2025 and beyond.

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