Shopping for a tablet? Looking for a new phone, PC, internet-enabled TV? For years many consumers have turned to San Francisco-based CNET for independent unbiased reviews of electronics. Now new charges by staff members are questioning the company’s integrity.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Technology reviews by [San Francisco-based] website CNET have long been respected for their thoroughness and integrity, but that reputation has come under scrutiny after a top reporter quit over what he says is editorial interference by its parent company, CBS Corp.
The dispute centers on CNET’s choice of best gadgets from last week’s International CES show in Las Vegas.
CNET voted Dish Network Corp.’s “Hopper with Sling” the best home theater and audio product. Because CBS is in a legal fight with Dish over the Hopper’s ad-skipping capabilities, CBS vetoed the selection, saying the product couldn’t be considered “Best of CES.” Instead, CNET’s official selection was a sound bar from TV maker Vizio.
Reporter Greg Sandoval tweeted on Monday morning that he was resigning, saying he had lost confidence that CBS is committed to editorial independence.