CNET Networks Announces Compliance with New IAB Online Ad Measurement Guidelines; Guidelines Bring Standardization and New Credibility to the Online Advertising Industry; CNET Networks among First to Comply

Business Wire, August 8, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO -- CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET), a leading interactive media company, today announced it is compliant with the Interactive Advertising Bureau's (IAB) new Global Ad Campaign Measurement and Audit Guidelines. As part of the process, the company also received certification and accreditation by the Media Rating Council (MRC), a non-profit industry association that is currently used by the television and radio industries to provide audience measurement services that are valid, reliable, and effective.

The guidelines were established in November 2004 by the IAB and an industry task force made up of representatives from the advertising agency, advertiser, media, and research disciplines, including CNET Networks. They effectively addressed long-standing concerns about the need for a standardized method of measuring Interactive advertising by offering a detailed definition for counting online ad impressions. By simplifying the buying and selling process for advertisers, marketers and publishers, these guidelines are intended to hasten the growth of Internet advertising spending.

"It is clear that without Shelby's leadership and CNET Networks' involvement over the past few years, the IAB would not be where it is today," said Greg Stuart, CEO of the IAB. "From his involvement as chairman emeritus, to the active participation and influence of the company's talent within many IAB committees, CNET Networks' dedication to moving the online advertising industry forward is impressive. Their early compliance to the IAB's Online Ad Measurement Guidelines reinforces their dedication."

To receive compliance, companies must meet a set of guidelines, which include conducting ad-impressions from the client-side as opposed to server-side; consistent elimination of non-human activity counting; and consistent cache busting. In addition, companies must also be audited by an IAB approved, third-party organization such as the Media Rating Council, whose accreditation certifies that an online publishers' ad impression numbers have the same reliability as any other media organization, online or offline.

"CNET Networks has long been committed to leading and participating in initiatives that bring maturity and credibility to the online advertising industry," said Shelby Bonnie, chairman and chief executive officer of CNET Networks. "We're extremely proud to be one of the four companies to meet the first deadline for compliance, and believe it reinforces our commitment to our customers as well as the industry overall."

About CNET Networks

CNET Networks, Inc. is a worldwide media company and creator of content environments for the interactive age. CNET Networks takes pride in being "a different kind of media company," creating richer, deeper interactive experiences by combining the wisdom and passion of users, marketers and its own expert editors. CNET Networks' leading brands -- such as CNET, GameSpot, MP3.com, Webshots, and ZDNet -- focus on the personal technology, entertainment, and business technology categories. The company has a strong presence in the US, Asia and Europe.