SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 2003--As it takes
ownership today of the MP3.com domain, which it purchased from VUNet
USA, CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET) announced its strategy to serve
the needs of music fans and the independent artist community. The
Company is planning two upcoming music site launches: a free
independent artist upload/download site that will be featured on CNET
Download.com starting in early 2004, and the re-launch of MP3.com as a
comprehensive music information site shortly thereafter.
The music upload/download site that will be featured on CNET
Download.com, the world's largest download library, will serve the
needs of the independent artist community and its fans. Adapting the
core functionality that users of the previous MP3.com site valued
most, the new site will enable independent artists to upload their
songs for free, gaining valuable exposure before Download.com's tens
of millions of unique monthly visitors. Music fans will be able to
easily find their favorite artists and music types, and sample songs
for free. Independent artists were notified last week that they should
copy and hold their music files for transfer to the new site, and turn
to http://music.download.com between now and its launch for updates.
When CNET Networks re-launches MP3.com next year, it will address
the increasing demand for a central information resource focused on
music, leveraging CNET Networks' strength as a premier provider of
innovative, interactive content. The emergence of digital music on the
Internet is changing the music landscape, impacting fans, artists, and
the music industry. The company's goals for the MP3.com site are to
serve the evolving needs of all of these communities, by providing
easy access to a broad range of information focused on music.
People who visit MP3.com Web site between now and the re-launch
will find place-holder content, including message boards, through
which CNET Networks can gather feedback on preferred music content as
it builds the MP3.com Web site.
"While our strength is in producing interactive content, it is our
users and their engagement with our sites that is at the core of our
success," said Barry Briggs, chief operating officer of CNET Networks.
"Therefore, we are looking forward to hearing more from independent
artists and music fans alike regarding their needs, and tailoring our
offerings to them."
About CNET Networks
CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a leading global
media company informing and connecting buyers, users and sellers of
personal technology, business technology, and games and entertainment.
Known for its editorial expertise, CNET Networks combines its award
winning content with the power of interactive technology to provide
it's users an intuitive, dynamic and relevant environment. The
company's content portfolio features top brands including CNET, ZDNet,
TechRepublic, GameSpot, and mySimon, as well as Computer Shopper
magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the US, Asia and
Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 12 countries.
CONTACT: CNET Networks
Martha Papalia, 617-225-3340 (media)
Martha.papalia@cnet.com
Cammeron Finnegan, 415-244-2844 (investor relations)
cammeron.finnegan@cnet.com
SOURCE: CNET Networks, Inc.
