CNET in talks to acquire tech site gdgt

Greg Kumparak of TechCrunch writes that tech news site CNET is in negotiations to acquire tech review site gdgt for an undisclosed amount.

Kumparak writes, “Back in 2009, TechCrunch Founder Michael Arrington wrote that CNET (and parent company CBS) were sniffing around gdgt, the then-brand-new community/review site/blog by Peter Rojas and Ryan Block. While CNET was considering an investment at the time, an acquisition was said not to be an option.

“Oh, how time can change things. Two years later, we’re not only hearing that CNET is now in talks to acquire gdgt, but also that the deal could be announced as early as this week.

“Our tipster was unable to provide any details on the financial terms of the deal — these details are, presumably, still being worked out. Even if the deal goes through, we’re told that gdgt’s new partnership with Engadget (who, like TechCrunch, is owned by AOL) will not be impacted.

“And what about Block and Rojas? The deal would presumably be structured to try and keep them on board for as long as possible.”

Chris Roush is the Walter E. Hussman Sr. Distinguished Professor in business journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a former business journalist for Bloomberg News, Businessweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tampa Tribune and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is the author of the leading business reporting textbook "Show me the Money: Writing Business and Economics Stories for Mass Communication" and "Thinking Things Over," a biography of former Wall Street Journal editor Vermont Royster.