CBS News Announces New Net Strategy

CBS on Tuesday announced a new strategy for its news department to make the Internet a critical part of its news operation. Company executives announced that CBS would turn its Web site, CBSNews.com, and its news operation in general into a 24-hour on-demand news service, providing broadband video and a blog, as well as launching a new 24-hour online only news network.

The setup will be very similar to ABC News Now, which ABC launched in 2003. The ABC News Now service offers a subscription-based 24-hour news network online and on cable; however, AOL users and digital cable subscribers are able to watch content for free.

CBS says its new endeavor will be less anchor driven than ABC News Now, and will focus more on the reporting.

"This represents a significant shift for CBS News," Andrew Heyward, president of CBS News said. "We are redefining the mission of CBS News and the people who work here to meet the demands of a 24-hour digital universe."

"Every component of this re-launch -- including greatly enhanced video streaming capabilities, more on-demand features and greater participation from the CBS News correspondents and producers who will also be reporting directly for the web -- will dramatically improve the content, delivery and navigation of the website," Larry Kramer, president of CBS Digital media added.

Also announced was a blog that the company says will provide more transparency in the newsgathering process, and allow for a direct dialogue with viewers on stories they see on CBS newscasts.