There's a very good reason those in journalism fear their corporate masters, and the tale of Dish Network's Hopper with Sling DVR being denied a CNET "Best of CES" award shows why.
The Verge is reporting that CNET has disqualified a highly acclaimed new product from Dish Network over a legal spat between the satellite provider and the website's parent company, CBS.
The controversy erupted when CNET editors chose Dish's Hopper with Sling DVR technology for a "Best of CES" award at this year's show, which wraps up Friday. CBS objected to the award, citing a current legal battle with Dish over how the Hopper allows users to skip commercials automatically.
"The Dish Hopper with Sling was removed from consideration due to active litigation involving our parent company CBS Corp.," a disclaimer on CNET's list of award finalists reads. "We will no longer be reviewing products manufactured by companies with which we are in litigation with respect to such product."
The move was met with derision by Dish CEO Joe Clayton, who accused CBS of censorship and "heavy-handed tactics," claiming the satellite provider was "saddened by CNET's staff being denied its editorial independence."
CNET quickly tweeted a clarification on the matter Thursday night, but it would appear the damage may be done to the tech website's credibility. "To clarify: We will no longer review products subject to active litigation with CBS, but we will continue to provide unbiased news," the Twitter post said.
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(Image courtesy of The Verge)
