Engadget "official blog" of 2010 CES, but retains independence, says Aol
This morning, I received a press release from Aol Communications declaring that its insanely popular Engadget blog will be the "official blog partner" of the Consumer Electronics Assocation's 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show from Jan. 7-10. From the press release: "Engadget will provide live coverage of the 2010 International CES on both its domestic and international sites, and will have extensive presence at the show, including interviews, product news and reviews, updates on CES events and commentary by a team of Engadget editors from across the globe."
Good for Engadget, I thought. But what did this mean for its journalistic independence? (What if, for example, the White House declared The Washington Post the official news source for the Inauguration? Would people be skeptical of the Post's relationship with the White House? Probably.)
So, in the interest of transparency, I sent the following three questions to Kurt Patat, director of Aol corporate communications, who originally sent me the press release:
* What does “official blog” status really mean for Engadget at CES? Will Engadget be able to cover news from the event from a journalistically independent perspective? What if, for example, the event is a relative dud compared to previous events – would Engadget report that?
* Will Engadget editorial staff get exclusive (earliest) access to products and interview subjects that wouldn’t be afforded to other bloggers/journalists who are covering the event?
* What is the financial (or quid pro quo) relationship between Engadget and CES/CEA for this event? Did Engadget pay CEA for the right to be marketed as the “official blog”? Should any financial or transactional relationship be made as transparent as possible for readers of the Engadget blog?
To see Kurt's answers (which he sent me promptly by email this morning), hit the jump.
From Kurt Patat:
* We're still absolutely 100 percent independent. The title -- to us -- is more of a recognition of the hard work and detailed coverage we do more than anything. I think the CEA is interested in the partnership because they feel that what we do truly reflects the spirit and buzz of CES.
* No. We're still slugging it out to get the scoops and coverage as we do every year.
* There was absolutely NO exchange of money. Two years ago, the CEA simply decided that they wanted to highlight some of the stronger media outlets that attend and cover CES, and we were happy to work with them. Previously, they had worked with broadcast and print partners (and continue to do so), and we were honored to be their first and only blog partner.
Okay, tech geeks, does this relationship and the transparency between CES and Engadget satisfy you? It's good to know that money didn't change hands and access for other bloggers won't be curtailed.
What do you think?
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Comments
It's all politics :)
Posted by: Jow | December 30, 2009 12:13 PM
I would not read too much into it. I expect Engadget to be fully transparent. My take is it's just a jab (and a well deserved jab) at Gizmodo by CES as payback for their 2008 prank .
Posted by: LH | December 30, 2009 1:07 PM
Great questions to ask them Gus! Please post te answers! I've been going to CES for over 8 years So I've seen alot evolve there. This is bigger than the Gizmodo incident & IMO that has no bearing on this decision. I can tell you the good people at Consumer Electronics Assoc the non-profit industry group don't have the staff to do a blog to the same degree of Engadget. In the past CEA staffers did blog (I've met their team & they have some great people who write awesome) & I suspect they will still blog for their site cesweb.org this year BUT they don't have the readership and the editorial depth. They do have the access. I think CEA should buildout their own team not partner with a site. For pure disclaimer last year I worked directly with CEA to cover the 2009 CES specifically for video blogging for their YouTube channel & their oficial 09 CES site. I can tell you that the people at CEA are transparent & on the up & up type of folks who really care about putting on the best show possible & encouraged transparent coverage! I do understand why they'd partner with Engadget but I don't think they really needed to make a partnership with Engadget. This will give any blog a leg up for sure! They should be able to battle for coverage just like everyone else. Let your investigative & editorial skills get you the access to the best stories. But before I/we pass judgement we should wait and see If Engadget sticks to ALL coverage positive & negative or if coverage skews only to the good stuff there. I'll be there & will let you know if I see any smoke-filled rooms with bloggers!
Posted by: Mario Armstrong | December 31, 2009 12:53 PM