CES ends CNET deal over CBS debacle

The fallout from Hoppergate continues.

Today the Consumer Electronics Association said that it is ending its deal with CNET to present the best in show awards at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, one of the most-anticipated industry events of the year.

Earlier this month CBS, which owns CNET, forced the online tech review site to rescind the best in show nomination that it gave to Dish Network’s Hopper, a DVR that allows viewers to hop through commercials with the push of a button, among other things.

CBS cited a new policy saying that CNET could not review any products of companies involved in pending legislation with its parent. CBS is suing Dish over the device, which it claims could hurt the broadcast network business model.

CNET had planned to give the Hopper CES’s top award.

CBS and CNET received tons of flak over the decision, and it continued today.

“CES has enjoyed a long and productive partnership with CNET and the Best of CES awards,” said Karen Chupka, the CEA’s senior vice president for events and conferences.

“However, we are concerned the new review policy will have a negative impact on our brand should we continue the awards relationship as currently constructed. We look forward to receiving new ideas to recognize the ‘best of the best’ products introduced at the International CES.”

The move certainly won’t help CNET regain its credibility, which the site well knows has been tarnished by the controversy. Earlier this week CBS barred CNET from reviewing another company it’s involved in litigation with, Aereo.

Tags: cbs, CEA, ces, ces best in show, ces cnet, cnet, cnet ces, Consumer Electronics Association, Consumer Electronics Show, controversies, dish network, dvr, hopper, Karen Chupka, today, viewers