The New York Times is sticking by today's story which said that CBS News is surrendering its news gathering to CNN. The greater implication of the Times account — which used unnamed sources — was that the traditional broadcast network which once showcased Walter Cronkite was yielding to the pressures of the marketplace and the demands of new audiences.

The Drudge Report led with the news, sparking immediate coverage in Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Reuters and other new outlets. CBS would get "a huge makeover," said one story. Bloggers followed, many accusing CBS of "selling out," among other sins.

CBS firmly denied the Times' claims this morning. "We're extremely satisfied with and proud of our news-gathering operation," said CBS News spokeswoman Sandy Genelius. "No outside arrangements are being negotiated."

But Tim Arango, the Times corporate media reporter, is not giving an inch, and says so in very straightforward terms.

"Of course I stand by the story 100 percent," Mr. Arango said in an email to The Washington Times.

-- Jennifer Harper, national reporter, The Washington Times