CNET CES Best-of-Show Award to Dish Thwarted by CBS

In a bold move that may have implicatons for journalistic independence, CBS has prevented its tech news subsidiary, CNET, from awarding Dish its CES 2013 Best of Show Award for its innovative Sling-based HD-DVR because of the continuing legal dispute between Dish and CBS (as well as other TV networks) over its Auto Hop Ad-skipping capabilities.

In addition, CBS is not allowing CNET to review Dish products going forward until further notice. Needless to say, this is creating quite the controversy amongst journalists that cover the consumer electronics beat.

However, to CNET's credit, Editor-in-Chief of CNET Reviews, Lindsey Turrentine, does discuss, in a post, the CBS directive and the resulting internal dilemma for CNET's writers. The tech site also still includes its initial coverage of the Dish Hopper/Sling product in an onsite report, and the product is listed in its featured product offerings.

Upon learning of the situation, Dish has posted an official response. It will be interesting to see how this controversy will affect CNET's tech coverage going forward in similar situations that may conflict with CBS interests.

Since Dish was "disqualified", CNET awarded its Best of Show Award for CES 2013 to the Razer Edge gaming tablet. Check out the final list of CNET's CES Award Winners for 2013

More: CNET Writer/Editor Greg Sandoval quits over CBS-Dish CES controversy (Billboard Biz)

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