CNet Lays off 120 Employees: Full Internal Memo

Centrally, we will have a global corporate communications team focused on public relations and internal communications. Managed by Sarah Cain, this team will be responsible for building strategic plans and programs to effectively communicate our messages externally and internally. All other marketing will be handled at the BU level. Sarah will report directly to Mickey Wilson as they determine how this organization evolves.

Business Unit Realignment

At the BU level, resources are being realigned to support key strategic initiatives that represent the biggest opportunities and drive greater efficiencies. Here are some highlights from those changes:

§ With the move to an open API, CNET will move its services, catalog, content management system onto one platform, making content development, syndication and content import easier and more open

§ Within the business group, we have preserved our core investments in BNET, while aligning more of our resources to accelerate the brand's growth. At the same time, we have realigned our investments in TechRepublic and ZDNET to improve monetization.

§ TV.com will put more emphasis on areas of most interest to their audience including entertainment features, breaking news, trivia competition, and polls, rather than original video programming

Stay tuned for more information about specific changes to your BU from your business unit leaders.

International

Lastly, as I talked about during last quarter's earnings call, to further accelerate growth and leadership in China, the company is considering raising capital from local partners. We are also in the process of making additional decisions about our international business. I will be sharing more information about that in the coming weeks.

Today, difficult decisions were made. Each individual that was affected by these changes deserves our respect and gratitude for helping to make CNET Networks into the company it is today. And, while it is never easy to see our friends and colleagues leave us, together, we will work through this transition and stay focused on our goal to grow the company's brands, revenues, and profits.