Reviewed, Gannett's consumer reviews site, was abruptly shut down in November due to financial issues stemming from changes in Google's algorithm. This led to the layoff of over 70 employees. Recently, Reviewed resurfaced under new management without informing users of its previous closure. The site features a blend of old articles disguised as new, raising concerns about content authenticity. Additionally, the site previously faced criticism for featuring AI-generated product reviews, which were removed following backlash from unionized employees.
Many of the articles promising "the best" products of 2025 are, in fact, old stories retrofitted with new, timely headlines. An article for the best patio heaters, for example, indicates the story was actually last updated two years ago in January 2023 and written by a staff member who no longer works at Reviewed.
The closure came after an already tumultuous period: in 2023, the NewsGuild of New York, which represents unionized Reviewed workers, publicly accused Gannett of running AI-generated product reviews on the site. The content was pulled after staff outcry.
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