The deal will give the combined companies revenues of more than $500 million in 2001, creating a global media company focusing on technology information with strengths across the Internet, TV and radio. Technology is core to individuals and businesses, CNET chief executive Shelby Bonnie said Wednesday. It's only going to get more important and larger. Bonnie will become CEO of the combined company. Talks between the two companies began about a month ago, Bonnie said. Although analysts supported the deal, CNET's stock closed down nearly 8 per cent, joining a sell-off in tech stocks overall amid disappointment over Microsoft's earnings report.

-- (The Wall Street Journal)