CBS and CNET Cross Promotions Leverage Their Combined Power, Helping Drive Record Traffic to CNET's Annual CES Editorial Package

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 12 - CNET (www.cnet.com), where people go to discover the latest in tech and consumer electronics, today reported a 23 percent increase in unique users and 56 percent increase in page views[1] over last year's coverage of the Consumer Electronics Show.  With the support of CBS's integrated television, radio and outdoor assets, CNET was able to extend its reach beyond its established tech-enthusiast audience base, as well as drive traffic back to the show coverage on CNET.com.   

"The significant increase in traffic this year is a testament to the power of CBS and their mainstream reach," said Joe Gillespie, Executive Vice President, CBS Interactive Technology & News. "This year, more people visited CNET to see and get information on the latest tech products launched at the show, and we were ready to serve them with more reviews, videos, and photos than ever before."

The traffic increase comes after last year's launch of the CNET redesign, a complete evolution of the website that spanned everything from its logo, design, and navigation to the delivery of product reviews, tech news and original video programming.  With the site's new "open in and open out" architecture, it was easier than ever for CNET to export its content to all corners of the Web, as well as import content from vendors and competitive news and review sites.

CNET's comprehensive editorial coverage of CES included live video from the show floor, product reviews, up-to-the minute reports on blogs and Twitter, expansive photo galleries, and live broadcasts of the "CNET Live" show, "Buzz Out Loud" and "The 404" podcasts.

Coverage also featured integrated cross-promotional appearances by CBS talent and CNET editors reporting on the hottest consumer technology products and trends from the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Cross promotions included Drew Carey, host of the long-running CBS game show, THE PRICE IS RIGHT, appeared as a guest on CNET LIVE, a call-in show hosted by CNET Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley and Executive Editor Tom Merritt;  CNET Editors on THE EARLY SHOW, CBS Television Stations and CBS Radio;  CBS News Correspondents provided reports from the show throughout each day for CNET.  All of the CBS-owned TV stations and select CBS Radio Stations aired updates and incorporated special sections dedicated to the CBS-CNET coverage on their websites.

In addition, winners of the "Best of CES" awards will be featured across many CBS platforms. Beginning this week, the video recap of the "Best of CES" Awards will air on the CBS Outdoor digital board, located in Times Square on 42nd Street in New York.  Then, on Friday, Jan. 16, at 12:30 PM local in each market a special lunchtime 30-minute webcast will air on all of the websites of the CBS Television and select CBS Radio Stations.  It will also air on CBS Television Stations the weekend of January 17th and 18th.  Also, CBS Outernet's out-of-home video networks and partners will run recaps of the award ceremony and "First Look" videos, a brief look at tech products launched at the show. 

About CNET

CNET (www.cnet.com) is where people go to discover the latest in tech and consumer electronics. Driven by a trusted voice and a passionate community, CNET creates an open environment for people to find and use the best products to fit their lifestyle. The powerful combination of CNET's award-winning news, lab-tested product reviews, safe and spyware-free downloads, and user-generated content give people information and inspiration to live and thrive in today's digital world.

About CBS Interactive

CBS Interactive, a division of CBS Corporation, is the best online content network for information and entertainment.  With more than 170 million people visiting its properties each month, it is the 8th largest Web property globally. Its portfolio of leading brands, which include CNET, CBS.com, CBSSports.com, GameSpot, TV.com, BNET and Last.fm, span popular categories like technology, entertainment, sports, news and business.

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Jenifer.concepcion@cbs.com

[1] CNET Internal Log Data, January 2008 vs. January 2009