NewFronts 2013: CBS Interactive Extends Network Shows Online

CNET Español to launch in fall

By Jon Lafayette -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/1/2013 8:57:41 AM

Complete Coverage: Upfronts 2013

Before his first NewFront presentation, CBS Interactive president Jim Lanzone got a bit of advice from his boss, a master of upfront presentations, CBS Corp. CEO Les Moonves.

Appearing in the kind of video that often opens the CBS Television Network's upfront, Moonves shot down several of Lanzone's ideas. Don't sing. Don't try to do the Harlem Shake. Don't use too many initials. Don't try to be too smart.

"This isn't the real upfront," Moonves says. "These are dramatically different budgets."

Suitably inspired, Lanzone stuck to a simple message that "only CBS Interactive" combines quality and quantity in one place, meaning premium content with scale.

"With our dominant position in TV and expanding video programming online, we are in the right place at the right time," he said.

CBS Interactive introduced new programs on CBS.com based on network shows.

One, Baker Street Irregulars, features a motley group of people with unique talents who help Elementary's Sherlock Holmes solve cases.

Person of Interest: Animated is an anime version of the CBS series, featuring more action than live action can deliver.

CBS Interactive's CNET announced the fall launch of CNET Español, a Spanish-language service offering tech news and reviews for Latino consumers.

CNET also said it would be moving into the smart appliance category, offering news and evaluations of product ranging from home automation systems to Wi-Fi enabled toasters.

The CBS Interactive presentation concluded with a performance by the French band Phoenix, which webcast live as part of the online Live with Letterman music series.