Gawker Media files for bankruptcy, agrees to sell itself to Ziff Davis
Hulk Hogan's victory in court, with a devastating $140 million jury award, pushes the media site to file for bankruptcy protection and put itself on the auction block. A higher bidder could still come along.
- Three Folio Eddie award wins: 2018 science & technology writing (Cartoon bunnies are hacking your brain), 2021 analysis (Deepfakes' election threat isn't what you'd think) and 2022 culture article (Apple's CODA Takes You Into an Inner World of Sign)
There's no denying it anymore: Gawker Media's legal battle against wrestler Hulk Hogan has crippled the company, as it filed for bankruptcy protection and agreed to sell itself to fellow digital publisher Ziff Davis.
Gawker filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of New York. The sale is being conducted through a court-supervised auction, which could see other bidders emerge to offer a higher price. The bid by Ziff Davis, which owns PC Magazine, was said to be worth about $90 million to $100 million.
The headline-grabbing case pitted freedom of the press against a celebrity's right to privacy, but it grew knottier last month when Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel confirmed he was bankrolling legal fees in the Hulk Hogan case. With Gawker's filing for bankruptcy, the case raises questions about whether Thiel's campaign to undo Gawker will have a chilling effect on other publications.
Nick Denton's Gawker Media will fund its appeal of a $140 million judgment against the company with its sale to Ziff Davis.
"We have been forced by this litigation to give up our long-standing independence, but our writers remain committed to telling the true stories that underpin credibility with our millions of readers," Gawker Media owner and founder Nick Denton said in an emailed statement.
Gawker's filing lists the pro wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, as its biggest creditor. In March, Bollea won a $140 million jury verdict against Gawker for publishing portions of a tape of him having sex with a friend's wife. Bankruptcy protection will prevent Bollea from seizing Gawker's assets.
Thiel, who was outed as gay by Gawker publication Valleywag in 2007, has said he is fighting a bully that has ruined people's lives. Thiel was one of the founders of PayPal and is a director of Facebook. A representative for Thiel declined to comment on the bankruptcy news.
A week ago, Denton was optimistic about the company's prospects, saying he was "pretty confident" a higher court would rule in its favor or reduce the verdict on appeal. But Friday, a judge denied Gawker's request for a stay that would have let it continue to operate independently while appealing the jury verdict.
In a statement announcing Ziff Davis's potential takeover, Denton called the bidder "one of the most rigorously managed and profitable companies in digital media."
During the sale, Gawker Media will continue operating as normal, the company said. And it isn't throwing in the towel against Bollea yet. Gawker said the sale would allow it to fund its appeal.
Bollea's lawyer, David Houston, said in a statement that the wrestler's camp has "every intention" to continue pursuing its judgement against Gawker and "to hold them accountable for violating Mr. Bollea's privacy whether it be in the bankruptcy court or any other court."
CNET's Rochelle Garner contributed to this report.
Update, 1:41 p.m. PT: Adds statement from Bollea's lawyer.
Why You Can Trust CNETAmazon Prime Day Deals Under $25: Big Discounts on Must-Have Tech and Everyday Essentials
Stretch your budget further this Prime Day with the best deals under $25. Find unbeatable prices on kitchen essentials, gaming gear and more.
Prime Day is in full swing, and the best deals are finally surfacing. We've curated top savings under $25 on tech, kitchen gadgets, home essentials and more. Perfect for thrifty deal hunters. Act fast -- these limited-time offers won't last long.
We'll be pruning the list as deals go away and adding more bargains as we spot them, so keep checking back for the latest info. And if you're looking for something else, we're keeping track of all upcoming Amazon Prime Day announcements on our live blog.
Amazon Prime deals under $25 on tech
The Amazon Fire Stick is one of the easiest ways to access your favorite streaming and online content. This version supports Full HD and is compatible with Alexa, so you can use voice controls to make your selections. Plus, it's only $18 right now with Prime.
Outdoor smart lighting can cost significantly more than its nonsmart counterparts. A more cost-effective way to make your outdoor lights smart is by adding a smart plug to the system. The plug can be turned on and off via Alexa or Google and can even be used as a dimmer to set the right mood in your backyard.
You can never seem to find a pen when you need one, but buying a pack of 144 of them will probably improve your chances.
Secure your smart home with a smart camera -- do it cheaper and don't compromise on quality by buying the Blink Mini 2 for only $20. It's 50% off thanks to this Prime Day event, but time is ticking away, and it won't be around much longer.
Upgrade your charging setup with this 3-in-1 wireless charging station now at a generous 40% discount. It's perfect for charging your iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and other Qi-enabled devices simultaneously. Don't miss this limited-time deal.
Grab the Otium Bluetooth Headphones for just $17, marked down from $20. These waterproof, sweatproof, noise-canceling earbuds are perfect for workouts, runs, or any active lifestyle, providing you with the audio you need while being comfortable. Take advantage of this steal before it's gone.
- TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi extender: $13 (save $22). Cover up those blind spots with fast WiFi.
- Amazon smart plug: $13 (save $12). Add Alexa-powered smarts to any device.
- Xeno Shutterbug remote camera shutter button: $15 (save $11). Take the perfect portraits! Use this remote to control your phone's camera from a distance.
- Razer wired white gaming mouse: $25 (save $25). An excellent, affordable gaming mouse.
- Anker USB-C charger 33W 2-port charger $17 (save $7). Fast charge your iPhone with ease.
- Hadbleng Sport 2024 wireless earbuds: $24 (save $66). A budget-priced pair of earbuds.
- Logitech F310 wired gamepad controller: $17 (save $8). An easy upgrade for your gaming setup.
- Oontz Angle Solo Bluetooth speaker: $16 (save $10). A very good reasonably-priced Bluetooth speaker.
- Norton 360 antivirus (1 year): $20 (save $50). Protect your PC.
- Roku Express: $17 (save $13). An easy way to add streaming capabilities to any television.
- Perilogics universal airplane phone holder: $10 (save $8). A handy tool to turn your phone into an in-flight entertainment system.
Prime Day deals under $25 on everyday essentials
Enhance your sleep quality with the Waoaw sleep mask, which is now available at a great deal. This ultra-soft, light-blocking blindfold is designed to provide maximum comfort and ensure complete darkness, helping you achieve a restful night's sleep anywhere. Don't miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your sleep routine with this highly rated mask.
Enhance your power management with the Fararaka Power Strip Surge Protector. Featuring 16 AC outlets and 5 USB ports, this surge protector offers comprehensive protection and efficient charging for all your devices. Its compact design and 6-foot extension cord make it ideal for home and office use.
- Crest 3D White toothpaste: $12 (save $3). A very good deal on an excellent home essential.
- Pilot FriXion ColorSticks erasable gel ink stick pens (16-pack): $19 (save $10).A highly-rated pen for college students and office workers alike.
- Reidea electronic candle lighter: $9 (save $17 plus 20% with promo code). A home-essential to light up candles with ease.
- Vegetable Chopper: $18 (save $16 plus 10% with coupon). A great deal on an excellent vegetable chopper.
- Sharpie gel pens (12-pack): $15 (save $5). A popular choice for students.
- Sharpie medium point gel pens (12-pack): $15 (save $20). An excellent set of pens at a great price.
- Sharpie Creative markers: $8 (save $8). A great choice to mark up or annotate notes or books.
- Johnson & Johnson all-purpose compact first aid kit: $14 (save $10). A must-have for accidental scrapes or cuts at home or while traveling.
Prime Day deals under $25 on home and garden
This rice cooker has one-touch operation and simultaneous steaming capabilities in a compact 6-cup capacity.
Upgrade your pet care routine with the Upsky pet pooper scooper. This durable scooper, made from premium materials, is designed for easy one-handed operation, making clean-up quick and hygienic. Ideal for grass, gravel, or concrete, it features a comfortable grip and a sturdy build, perfect for daily use with your furry friend.
- Seropy roll-up dish drying rack: $7 (save $5 plus extra 10% with coupon). Dry your clothes with ease with this compact, roll-up rack.
- Bedsure fleece microfiber blanket $20 (save $11). Stay warm with this high-quality fleece blanket.
- Sensarte nonstick frying pan: $18 (save $12). Cook up a storm with great savings on this excellent frying pan.
- Bedsure satin pillowcases (standard size, 2-pack): $6 (save $6). A luxurious set of pillowcases for cheap.
- Utopia throw pillows (4-pack): $18 (save $3).Add some extra cushioning to your couch or lounger.
- Brita water filter: $16 (save $10). A must-have filtration device for the kitchen.
- Olanly bathroom rug mat: $8 (save $11 with on-page coupon). Keep your bathroom floor squeaky clean and dry.
Prime Day deals under $25 on health and fitness
The Easton baseball batting helmet is what to buy if you need something to thing give you reliable protection while playing baseball. It has a high-impact-resistant shell and a comfortable interior foam liner. You can get it during this sale in its three sizes -- small, medium and large -- all for the same price.
- Energizer 360 Pro LED camping lantern: $15 (save $4). Light up dark next time you go camping with Energizer's top-notch 360-degree lamp.
- Kids life vest: $22 (save $4). Taking the boat out this weekend? Make sure you grab this life vest for your child.
- Joyin animal 3-pack floats $20 (save $6). These animal-themed floats will liven up any pool party.
- Gigatent pop-up changing room tent $25 (save $15). This pop-up changing room tent will add a touch of convenience to any camping trip.
- Glamigee heating pad: $16 (save $4). The perfect pain relief pad at a great price.
Prime Day deals under $25 on Beauty
This Gillette Labs razor is the exfoliating Black and Gold Edition and comes with three cartridges, a stand and even a travel case.
Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth offers you a convenient at-home teeth whitening solution. Designed to be gentle on sensitive teeth, these strips effectively remove stains and can provide a noticeably whiter smile.
- CeraVe AM facial moisturizing lotion SPF 30: $13 (save $7). A highly rated sunscreen and moisturizing lotion.
- Beaky 10-piece makeup sponge set: $7 (save $6). The perfect addition to your makeup kit.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day is a series of week-long deals in July. For the nine years before this one, it has usually appeared a week or so after the July 4th sales. It's no different on Year 10.
Amazon Prime Day gives Amazon Prime subscribers a taste of Black Friday-type sales during the summer. You'll find deeply discounted items scattered throughout the sale that you won't want to wait on, because these types of big savings only happen a couple of times a year outside of this event.
When is the best time to buy deals right now?
Deals will show up all throughout Prime Day week. The main focus days are July 16 and 17. Watch our live blog to see the updates for the hottest deals of those two days. We'll give you the heads up on items from laptops to gaming deals and tons more.
How we choose the best Prime Day deals
Many of us here at CNET have covered shopping events for over five years, including Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other sales. In that time, we've learned how to spot the best deals among a sea of thousands of superficial offers and scams, and we only surface the best offers from trusted retailers. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing the best deals to show you.
- Real discounts mean genuine savings. We check pricing history for products listed as on sale so we know when it's a case of an inflated list price rather than an actual discount.
- Quality reviews and testing are super important for any product. A discount isn't worthwhile if it results in a subpar product experience, no matter how much you saved.
- Remaining sale time is important, too. Some deals are only around for a short time or may be limited in supply. If that's the case, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
Computing Guides
Why You Can Trust CNETAmazon Prime Day Deals Under $25: Big Discounts on Must-Have Tech and Everyday Essentials
Stretch your budget further this Prime Day with the best deals under $25. Find unbeatable prices on kitchen essentials, gaming gear and more.
Prime Day is in full swing, and the best deals are finally surfacing. We've curated top savings under $25 on tech, kitchen gadgets, home essentials and more. Perfect for thrifty deal hunters. Act fast -- these limited-time offers won't last long.
We'll be pruning the list as deals go away and adding more bargains as we spot them, so keep checking back for the latest info. And if you're looking for something else, we're keeping track of all upcoming Amazon Prime Day announcements on our live blog.
Amazon Prime deals under $25 on tech
The Amazon Fire Stick is one of the easiest ways to access your favorite streaming and online content. This version supports Full HD and is compatible with Alexa, so you can use voice controls to make your selections. Plus, it's only $18 right now with Prime.
Outdoor smart lighting can cost significantly more than its nonsmart counterparts. A more cost-effective way to make your outdoor lights smart is by adding a smart plug to the system. The plug can be turned on and off via Alexa or Google and can even be used as a dimmer to set the right mood in your backyard.
You can never seem to find a pen when you need one, but buying a pack of 144 of them will probably improve your chances.
Secure your smart home with a smart camera -- do it cheaper and don't compromise on quality by buying the Blink Mini 2 for only $20. It's 50% off thanks to this Prime Day event, but time is ticking away, and it won't be around much longer.
Upgrade your charging setup with this 3-in-1 wireless charging station now at a generous 40% discount. It's perfect for charging your iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and other Qi-enabled devices simultaneously. Don't miss this limited-time deal.
Grab the Otium Bluetooth Headphones for just $17, marked down from $20. These waterproof, sweatproof, noise-canceling earbuds are perfect for workouts, runs, or any active lifestyle, providing you with the audio you need while being comfortable. Take advantage of this steal before it's gone.
- TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi extender: $13 (save $22). Cover up those blind spots with fast WiFi.
- Amazon smart plug: $13 (save $12). Add Alexa-powered smarts to any device.
- Xeno Shutterbug remote camera shutter button: $15 (save $11). Take the perfect portraits! Use this remote to control your phone's camera from a distance.
- Razer wired white gaming mouse: $25 (save $25). An excellent, affordable gaming mouse.
- Anker USB-C charger 33W 2-port charger $17 (save $7). Fast charge your iPhone with ease.
- Hadbleng Sport 2024 wireless earbuds: $24 (save $66). A budget-priced pair of earbuds.
- Logitech F310 wired gamepad controller: $17 (save $8). An easy upgrade for your gaming setup.
- Oontz Angle Solo Bluetooth speaker: $16 (save $10). A very good reasonably-priced Bluetooth speaker.
- Norton 360 antivirus (1 year): $20 (save $50). Protect your PC.
- Roku Express: $17 (save $13). An easy way to add streaming capabilities to any television.
- Perilogics universal airplane phone holder: $10 (save $8). A handy tool to turn your phone into an in-flight entertainment system.
Prime Day deals under $25 on everyday essentials
Enhance your sleep quality with the Waoaw sleep mask, which is now available at a great deal. This ultra-soft, light-blocking blindfold is designed to provide maximum comfort and ensure complete darkness, helping you achieve a restful night's sleep anywhere. Don't miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your sleep routine with this highly rated mask.
Enhance your power management with the Fararaka Power Strip Surge Protector. Featuring 16 AC outlets and 5 USB ports, this surge protector offers comprehensive protection and efficient charging for all your devices. Its compact design and 6-foot extension cord make it ideal for home and office use.
- Crest 3D White toothpaste: $12 (save $3). A very good deal on an excellent home essential.
- Pilot FriXion ColorSticks erasable gel ink stick pens (16-pack): $19 (save $10).A highly-rated pen for college students and office workers alike.
- Reidea electronic candle lighter: $9 (save $17 plus 20% with promo code). A home-essential to light up candles with ease.
- Vegetable Chopper: $18 (save $16 plus 10% with coupon). A great deal on an excellent vegetable chopper.
- Sharpie gel pens (12-pack): $15 (save $5). A popular choice for students.
- Sharpie medium point gel pens (12-pack): $15 (save $20). An excellent set of pens at a great price.
- Sharpie Creative markers: $8 (save $8). A great choice to mark up or annotate notes or books.
- Johnson & Johnson all-purpose compact first aid kit: $14 (save $10). A must-have for accidental scrapes or cuts at home or while traveling.
Prime Day deals under $25 on home and garden
This rice cooker has one-touch operation and simultaneous steaming capabilities in a compact 6-cup capacity.
Upgrade your pet care routine with the Upsky pet pooper scooper. This durable scooper, made from premium materials, is designed for easy one-handed operation, making clean-up quick and hygienic. Ideal for grass, gravel, or concrete, it features a comfortable grip and a sturdy build, perfect for daily use with your furry friend.
- Seropy roll-up dish drying rack: $7 (save $5 plus extra 10% with coupon). Dry your clothes with ease with this compact, roll-up rack.
- Bedsure fleece microfiber blanket $20 (save $11). Stay warm with this high-quality fleece blanket.
- Sensarte nonstick frying pan: $18 (save $12). Cook up a storm with great savings on this excellent frying pan.
- Bedsure satin pillowcases (standard size, 2-pack): $6 (save $6). A luxurious set of pillowcases for cheap.
- Utopia throw pillows (4-pack): $18 (save $3).Add some extra cushioning to your couch or lounger.
- Brita water filter: $16 (save $10). A must-have filtration device for the kitchen.
- Olanly bathroom rug mat: $8 (save $11 with on-page coupon). Keep your bathroom floor squeaky clean and dry.
Prime Day deals under $25 on health and fitness
The Easton baseball batting helmet is what to buy if you need something to thing give you reliable protection while playing baseball. It has a high-impact-resistant shell and a comfortable interior foam liner. You can get it during this sale in its three sizes -- small, medium and large -- all for the same price.
- Energizer 360 Pro LED camping lantern: $15 (save $4). Light up dark next time you go camping with Energizer's top-notch 360-degree lamp.
- Kids life vest: $22 (save $4). Taking the boat out this weekend? Make sure you grab this life vest for your child.
- Joyin animal 3-pack floats $20 (save $6). These animal-themed floats will liven up any pool party.
- Gigatent pop-up changing room tent $25 (save $15). This pop-up changing room tent will add a touch of convenience to any camping trip.
- Glamigee heating pad: $16 (save $4). The perfect pain relief pad at a great price.
Prime Day deals under $25 on Beauty
This Gillette Labs razor is the exfoliating Black and Gold Edition and comes with three cartridges, a stand and even a travel case.
Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth offers you a convenient at-home teeth whitening solution. Designed to be gentle on sensitive teeth, these strips effectively remove stains and can provide a noticeably whiter smile.
- CeraVe AM facial moisturizing lotion SPF 30: $13 (save $7). A highly rated sunscreen and moisturizing lotion.
- Beaky 10-piece makeup sponge set: $7 (save $6). The perfect addition to your makeup kit.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day is a series of week-long deals in July. For the nine years before this one, it has usually appeared a week or so after the July 4th sales. It's no different on Year 10.
Amazon Prime Day gives Amazon Prime subscribers a taste of Black Friday-type sales during the summer. You'll find deeply discounted items scattered throughout the sale that you won't want to wait on, because these types of big savings only happen a couple of times a year outside of this event.
When is the best time to buy deals right now?
Deals will show up all throughout Prime Day week. The main focus days are July 16 and 17. Watch our live blog to see the updates for the hottest deals of those two days. We'll give you the heads up on items from laptops to gaming deals and tons more.
How we choose the best Prime Day deals
Many of us here at CNET have covered shopping events for over five years, including Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other sales. In that time, we've learned how to spot the best deals among a sea of thousands of superficial offers and scams, and we only surface the best offers from trusted retailers. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing the best deals to show you.
- Real discounts mean genuine savings. We check pricing history for products listed as on sale so we know when it's a case of an inflated list price rather than an actual discount.
- Quality reviews and testing are super important for any product. A discount isn't worthwhile if it results in a subpar product experience, no matter how much you saved.
- Remaining sale time is important, too. Some deals are only around for a short time or may be limited in supply. If that's the case, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
