In Their Own Words -- the industry’s only Pitching Tips coming directly from the media contact. Click to listen.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Magazines
Alex Kingsbury, associate editor
U.S. News & World Report
(202) 955-2725
akingsbury(at)usnews.com
www.usnews.com

Alex Kingsbury covers government intelligence, homeland security, the U.S. military, and other government-related issues with a national or international scope. He has also written features on U.S. sports teams and individuals in the sports industry whose accomplishments have landed them in the national spotlight. His articles appear mostly in the magazine's Nation & World section. He has also contributed to special projects including America's Best Leaders 2009 and columns such as Washington Whispers.

Kingsbury prefers to receive all press releases and story ideas in a plain text e-mail with as few attachments as possible. He discourages follow-up calls. Also, he strongly recommends that those pitching him read his articles in order to fully understand what he covers. He says since topic coverage often shifts between individual writers at the publication, PR professionals need to make sure they're contacting the right person. 

Newspapers
Bill Cotterell, political editor / columnist
Tallahassee Democrat
(850) 671-6545
bcotterell(at)tallahassee.com
www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee

Bill Cotterell covers Florida state government and politics, which includes breaking news involving political leaders or government activity in the capital city. His articles and columns appear in the Democrat’s daily print paper as well as on the Web at Tallahassee.com and FloridaCapitalNews.com. Cotterell says he is particularly interested in “state employment issues since a large segment of our readership is state employees.” Pitch him via e-mail.

The Tallahassee Democrat covers local and regional news for residents of Florida’s capital region. It has a daily circulation of approximately 47,000.

Television
Doug Lezette, news director
WSHM-TV
(413) 523-4914
doug.lezette(at)cbs3springfield.com
www.cbs3springfield.com

Doug Lezette is only interested in receiving press releases that directly impact his local audience. This includes breaking news or local issues. “We almost never use things like satellite feeds because we only do two-and-a-half hours of news a day,” he says. He prefers releases that include a local resident who has been affected by or has experience with the subject or event. Send pitches via e-mail to news(at)cbs3springfield.com. Include a clear headline. Do NOT send e-mails with high-resolution images or attachments; Lezette says these will automatically be blocked. His daily deadline is 4 p.m. Newscasts air at 6 and 11 p.m.

WSHM-TV is a CBS affiliate broadcasting to the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts.

Radio
Tony Field, producer
"BackStory"
(434) 924-8922
tfield(at)virginia.edu
www.backstoryradio.org

Tony Field is responsible for writing and editing scripts and booking guests for "BackStory," which airs on selected public radio affiliates throughout the country. The program targets "the existing public radio audience," says Field. Press releases may focus on new books from academic publishers, but the books must pertain to American history. "Most of the material we [use] on the show is pretty scholarly," he notes. Send pitches via e-mail. Follow-up calls are discouraged.

“BackStory” is a weekly call-in show that brings a historical perspective to today's events. Hosts Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf and Brian Balogh are joined by fellow historians, people in the news, and callers who want to explore the roots of current events.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Magazines
Gwynn Galvin, test kitchen director
Woman's World
ggalvin(at)bauerpublishing.com
http://winit.womansworldmag.com/ww

Gwynn Galvin covers recipes, new kitchen products and food trends. She has done pieces on innovative recipes; recipes in which most of the fat is eliminated; and products and trends in the meat and vegetable industries. “We’re always interested in new recipes because they can be an inspiration for us,” she says, “but we’re especially interested in new products.” All products and recipes selected for the magazine are tested on site. “We do story lines that are appropriate for the time of year and the holidays,” notes Galvin. Pitch her by e-mail at least three months in advance; attachments may be sent. She does NOT want phone calls regarding pitches.

Newspapers
Bill Byrns, outdoors editor / reporter
The Daily Journal
Phone: (815) 468-7349
Fax: (815) 468-8369
bbyrns(at)daily-journal.com
www.daily-journal.com

Bill Byrns serves as editor and reporter for the paper’s outdoors section, which focuses on conservation and outdoor recreation such as hunting and fishing. The section also touches on local wildlife, waterways, public lands and sustainable building from a hard news perspective. “I very seldom do any kind of product-type stories,” says Byrns. “There has to be something really unique about the product.” He prefers to receive pitches via e-mail; photos and attachments are accepted. “We can get faxes if you want,” he adds.

The Daily Journal covers local and state news relevant to northeastern Illinois, which includes Kankakee, Will, Iroquois, Ford, Grundy and Livingston Counties. Its daily circulation is approximately 22,000.

Radio
Lorraine Caron, producer / announcer
WMUK-FM / “Grassroots”
Western Michigan University, Friedmann Hall
1903 West Michigan Avenue, 1st Floor
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 387-5721
lorraine.caron(at)wmich.edu
www.wmuk.org

Lorraine Caron is a producer and co-host of "Grassroots," a weekend program featuring artists and authors that appeal to a public radio audience. Press releases may pertain to "anything that has to do with art that has some tie to southwest Michigan," says Caron. It is best to pitch her by e-mail, but she also accepts releases by postal mail. A follow-up call is welcome. Send press materials two to four weeks before an event.

WMUK-FM is a public radio station broadcasting from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich. “Grassroots” airs Saturdays from 8 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Magazines
Gregg Wartgow, editor in chief
PRO Magazine
(800) 547-7377 x1614
gregg.wartgow(at)cygnuspub.com
www.promagazine.com

Gregg Wartgow oversees editorial content for PRO Magazine, which covers the landscaping industry for contractors and other landscape professionals. He is particularly interested in management tips and new products and equipment that help landscaping businesses become more profitable. When making a pitch, “highlight how this is going to help a contractor diversify his service offering and make more money,” says Wartgow. He also writes profiles of landscape contractors. Pitch him by e-mail. He prefers to receive press releases as a Word document attachment.

PRO Magazine is a national trade publication that is published nine times a year and has a circulation of approximately 60,000.

Newspapers
Jeff Proctor, staff writer
Albuquerque Journal
(505) 823-3951
jproctor(at)abqjournal.com
www.abqjournal.com

Jeff Proctor primarily covers law enforcement, crime, urban development, and neighborhood associations for the West Side edition of the Journal. He is only interested in press releases pertaining to breaking news in law enforcement and crime. “The other things I cover are face-to-face contact type things,” says Proctor. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. For general inquiries, Proctor prefers to receive a phone call rather than an e-mail. His daily deadline is 5 p.m.

Television
Austen Schauer, anchor / assistant news director
KVRR-TV
(701) 277-1515
ahschauer(at)kvrr.com

Austen Schauer covers mostly local and regional news on KVRR’s 6 and 9 p.m. newscasts. He also serves as the station’s assistant news director and is interested in receiving ideas for feature stories. Pitch him by phone or e-mail. E-mails may contain high-resolution images and attachments. Pitches should be concise. Also, Schauer recommends that PR professionals communicate regularly with news directors at local stations regarding news conferences and other opportunities for coverage.

KVRR-TV is the Fox affiliate in the Fargo, N.D. area. The station does not have a dedicated Web site.

Radio
Erik Peterson, senior producer
Fox Sports Radio / "Myers, Hartman and Jacobs"
(818) 461-8295
erikp(at)fsr247.com
http://msn.foxsports.com/radio/radioShow?showId=4

Erik Peterson focuses on pop culture, sports and entertainment on "Myers, Hartman and Jacobs," an afternoon-drive sports show that targets 21- to 50-year-olds. He says, “Anything involving headliners, or ‘A guests,’ always interests us.” Press releases may also pertain to "anything that might be political but ties into the sports genre somehow," says Peterson. "Or, it could be something wildly entertaining that ties into the sports genre." Pitch him by e-mail. A follow-up call is strongly encouraged.

"Myers, Hartman and Jacobs" airs weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m. EST on Fox Sports Radio stations across the country.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Magazines
Jennifer Bogo, senior editor of science
Popular Mechanics
(212) 649-2862
jbogo(at)hearst.com
www.popularmechanics.com

Jennifer Bogo covers a wide range of science topics, including alternative energy and fuels, medical breakthroughs, space exploration, architecture, and robotics. She says she is particularly interested in innovative research “where science intersects with technology.” Pitch her by e-mail at least three months in advance. Press releases should be brief, straightforward and include photo attachments. Bogo notes she focuses on “bigger picture” scientific research and is less interested in consumer technology products. Product pitches may be sent to senior technology editor Glenn Derene at gderene(at)hearst.com.

Popular Mechanics informs readers of the latest news and trends in automobiles, home improvement, tools, electronics, health, science and technology. Its monthly circulation is approximately 1.2 million.

Newspapers
Anne Neville, lifestyle reporter
Buffalo News
(716) 849-4119
aneville(at)buffnews.com
www.buffalonews.com

Anne Neville covers lifestyle stories on subjects such as television, pop culture, local events and personality profiles. She specializes in pet coverage, crafts and women's issues and also writes reviews of books, movies and plays. Press releases should be timely. “When something happens in the news that has something to do with some product or expert that you have, just get those out as quickly as possible,” says Neville. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Her daily deadline is 5 p.m.

Television
Gabriel Quiroz, general manager
KTSB-TV
(805) 685-3800 x101
gquiroz(at)entravision.com

Gabriel Quiroz is interested in receiving press releases that are relevant to his local community. Pitch him by e-mail. Quiroz says he usually requires a lead time of one day “unless it is something very, very drastic and dramatic that affects the majority of our DMA. Then, that would be right away.” Content may be formatted in either Beta SP or DVC Pro. He does not appreciate it when PR people try to sell him a product or promote their company.

KTSB-TV is a Spanish-language station broadcasting to Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo in Southern California.

Radio
Patricia Reuter, producer
“Viewpoints”
2250 East Devon Avenue
Suite 150
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 299-9500
preuter(at)mediatracks.com
www.mediatracks.com

Patricia Reuter focuses on public affairs for "Viewpoints," a nationally syndicated program that she says targets the public radio audience. “Just about every public affairs topic is fair game,” says Reuter, “except we don’t usually do New Age topics [and] we don’t do diets.” Press releases should be applicable to various parts of the United States. “I don’t want them to be partisan – real, real liberal [or] real, real conservative – just something that might interest the public in a balanced format.” Pitch her by e-mail or postal mail. A follow-up call is welcome. Send time-sensitive materials three weeks in advance; send holiday-related releases at least six weeks in advance.

“Viewpoints” is a half-hour weekly public affairs show that airs as a local program for audiences across the country.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Newspapers
Rob Chaney, environmental reporter
The Missoulian
(406) 523-5382
rchaney(at)missoulian.com
www.missoulian.com

Rob Chaney covers environmental issues, such as energy sources and climate change legislation, as well as general outdoors topics, like hunting and national parks. He writes features that are of interest to western Montana residents. "I look for data that is specific to my readers that comes from a reliable data-processing source," says Chaney. "Some company's survey of its customers about how much they like that company has zero value to me." However, he may be able to use trend-analysis documentation about a business or company if the information comes from a reputable source, such as a university or government agency. Chaney may be reached via e-mail.

The Missoulian covers local and state news relevant to readers in Missoula County, Mont. It has a daily circulation of approximately 28,000.

Television
Mike Irwin, sports reporter
KFSM-TV
(479) 783-3131
mike.irwin(at)kfsm.com
www.kfsm.com

Mike Irwin reports on local and regional sports news for the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts at KFSM. He is interested in receiving press releases about any sports topic with a local perspective that will appeal to his audience. "If it's a story that we think our viewers will be interested in,” he says, “we're interested in it.” Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. “If it’s something locally that we have to go shoot, we’d have to have time to do that,” says Irwin. “If it’s just information, sometimes an hour earlier than we have to run it” is enough.

KFSM-TV is a CBS affiliate broadcasting to the Fayetteville, Ark. area.

Radio
Mike Evenson, producer
CKKQ-FM / “Ed Bain & the Q Morning Show”
(250) 475-0100
mike(at)theq.fm
www.theq.fm

Mike Evenson is the assistant music director at CKKQ. He also produces "Ed Bain & the Q Morning Show," an entertainment-based, talk show that targets 18- to 54-year-olds. He accepts press releases for the program via e-mail. 

For music-based releases, include as much artist information as possible. For upcoming events, Evenson says lead time is "based on the nature of the event – how big it is, what the event is going to attract. If it's huge, we'd want to get as much time in as possible." All releases should include contact numbers. "If we can get a hold of an artist or somebody for an interview opportunity," says Evenson, "that's something we would definitely pursue." Any high-resolution images or attachments should be as "small as possible but with the best quality," he adds. Evenson may be reached by phone between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“Ed Bain & the Q Morning Show” airs from 5:30 to 9 a.m. on CKKQ-FM, a Classic Rock station out of Victoria, British Columbia.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Magazines
Tom Kaiser, associate editor
ATV Magazine
(763) 383-4400
tkaiser(at)affinitygroup.com
www.atvmagonline.com

Tom Kaiser covers various topics relating to ATVs, including the ATV industry, trail riding, new vehicles and products such as gear, tools and parts. He says he is particularly interested in “fun destinations for people to take their machines” and new ways in which ATVs can be utilized in hunting and farming. “Anything you can hook, strap or bolt onto an ATV to do actual work with the vehicle is something that we’re always interested in,” says Kaiser. He notes the magazine has traditionally focused on utility ATVs, but also includes “sport quad coverage” since the publisher’s sport magazine was shuttered. Pitch him by e-mail at least 45 days in advance. Photo attachments should be no larger than 10 MB. For product releases, Kaiser asks PR firms to include a high-resolution photo, description and price of the item.

ATV Magazine focuses on amateur and professional all-terrain vehicle racing, sport and recreational riding, and aftermarket performance products for ATVs. It is published every other month and has a circulation of approximately 220,000.

Newspapers
John George, medical reporter
Philadelphia Business Journal
(215) 238-5137
jgeorge(at)bizjournals.com
http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia

John George specializes in the coverage of the biotech industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the business of managed care. This includes major issues affecting quality of care; expansions, partnerships and personnel changes within hospitals and health care companies; and news on grants, research and technology in the healthcare field. Press releases must be relevant to the healthcare beat and have a connection to an individual or company in the Philadelphia region. George accepts pitches via e-mail.

The Philadelphia Business Journal covers local and state business news relevant to Philadelphia. Its weekly circulation is approximately 11,000.

Television
Rich Flesch, assistant news director
WCIA-TV
(217) 373-3610
news(at)wcia.com
www.wcia.com

Rich Flesch serves as the assignment editor for the WCIA newsroom, which covers mostly local and regional stories. Flesch says he is interested in receiving press releases with “a local impact.” All releases should lead with an “impact statement” that hits on “community type needs,” he adds. Pitch him by e-mail at least one day in advance; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments.

WCIA-TV is a CBS affiliate broadcasting to Champaign, Ill., and the surrounding area.

Radio
John Davis, producer / host
WHLA-FM / WLSU-FM
(608) 785-8380
davis(at)wpr.org
www.wpr.org

John Davis primarily writes stories and conducts interviews for WLSU and WHLA. He also hosts a show and does programming and automation for the stations. His reporting focuses on local news in a seven- to eight-county area. He says press releases may relate to "stuff that affects Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa as well." Pitch him by e-mail. Follow-up calls are discouraged.

WHLA-FM and WLSU-FM are non-commercial public radio stations located in La Crosse, Wis.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Magazines
Megan Phelps, senior associate editor
Mother Earth News
(785) 274-4323
mphelps(at)motherearthnews.com
www.motherearthnews.com

Megan Phelps covers renewable energy and green homes. She is interested in new products, trends and the latest news pertaining to her beat. “Some product stuff is okay,” she says. “We don’t run a lot of that, but we are interested in finding out what’s new that’s going on.” Pitch her by e-mail. She accepts attachments but prefers Web links that provide further information. Press releases should be formally structured rather than written in a familiar tone. Phelps notes the print magazine works several months ahead, while online content can be produced in less than a week.

Mother Earth News is dedicated to presenting information that will help readers become more self-sufficient, financially independent and environmentally aware. It is published every other month and has a circulation of approximately 430,000.

Television
Rich Becker, sports director / executive producer
WXXA-TV
(518) 862-0995
richbecker(at)fox23news.com
www.fox23news.com

Rich Becker oversees sports coverage and produces the 5 and 10 p.m. newscasts at WXXA. In addition, he produces the station's "High School Sports Show" and co-anchors and assists with the production of "Fox Fast Track," the station's award winning auto-racing show. On the radio, he is the sports anchor for the "Wakin' Up with Wolf" show on PYX-FM in Albany, N.Y. Becker says he is interested in “anything that affects our market or people in the capital region.” He adds, “It just makes it a little bit easier” when a pitch highlights any “obvious hooks to the story.” Pitch him by e-mail. Only include high-resolution images or attachments if absolutely necessary. Becker asks that pitches contain accurate and complete contact information.

WXXA-TV is a FOX affiliate broadcasting to Albany, N.Y., and the surrounding area.

Radio
Betty Everett, station manager / producer / host
WMAF-AM / “The Morning Show with the Country Girl”
(850) 973-3233
countrywmaf(at)embarqmail.com
http://radiowmaf.com

Betty Everett is interested in press releases pertaining to entertainment news and classic-country artist profiles. She frequently interviews local country music artists. She is NOT interested in political news. Pitch her by e-mail at least three weeks in advance; attachments are welcome. Everett recommends placing key words such as "press release" or "country" in the e-mail subject line.

WMAF-AM is a Classic Country music station in Madison, Fla. “The Morning Show” airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Magazines
Jennifer Goodman, managing editor
Building Products
(202) 736-3358
jgoodman(at)hanleywood.com
www.ebuild.com/default.hwx

Jennifer Goodman oversees coverage of residential products, which includes homebuilding and remodeling products such as tools, equipment, windows and doors, kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. “It would need to be something that a builder would put in during construction,” says Goodman. “It’s nothing that would come in the aftermarket once the homeowner is moved in.” She is looking for large-format, high-resolution color photos of the product being pitched. Photos may be in TIFF or JPEG format with at least 600 dpi. All pitches should be sent two to three months in advance to associate editor Victoria Markovitz at vmarkovitz(at)hanleywood.com. Press releases sent to Goodman will be forwarded to the proper editor or reporter. The Building Products editorial staff does NOT want cold pitches via phone.

Building Products is a comprehensive information source for construction professionals. It is published every other month, with a circulation of approximately 55,000.

Newspapers
Christopher Calnan, reporter
Austin Business Journal
(512) 494-2524
ccalnan(at)bizjournals.com
http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin

Christopher Calnan covers regional banking and financial news as well as Austin-based energy and IT companies. This includes corporate developments that impact customer service, like new-product launches, and those that affect the regional economy, such as expansions, closings, mergers and acquisitions. National stories must have a direct link to Austin or Texas to interest him. He accepts relevant pitches via e-mail. Calnan says those pitching should avoid calling the newsroom when the paper is on deadline.

The Austin Business Journal focuses on business community news related to Central Texas. It has a weekly circulation of approximately 7,000.

Television
Marcy Foust, assistant news director
WTWO-TV
(812) 696-2121
marcy(at)wtwo.com
http://mywabashvalley.com

Marcy Foust is interested in press releases containing local and state news that will appeal to her viewers. “We don’t do very much of the consumer pitches or health unless it’s related to Illinois or Indiana or what’s making news at that point,” she says. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Pitches must clarify the local angle of a story or event. “If I pick up a press release and it says ‘southern Indiana’ or ‘Indiana,’ it just tends to capture my attention more,” says Foust. PR professionals should send event information “a few days out” when possible, she adds. All press materials should be received early in the day for planning purposes.

WTWO-TV is the NBC affiliate in Farmersburg, Ind.

Radio
Bill Buckley, producer / host
KSOP-FM/AM / “Bill, Dick and Lee in the Morning”
(801) 972-1043
billbuckley(at)ksopcountry.com
www.ksopcountry.com

Bill Buckley is interested in press releases pertaining to local and national human interest stories and music-related stories. Pitch him by e-mail a couple days in advance; attachments are welcome. Buckley urges PR firms to keep pitches concise.

“Bill, Dick and Lee in the Morning” airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on KSOP-FM and KSOP-AM, country music stations in Salt Lake City

Monday, November 9, 2009

Magazines
Frank Esposito, reporter
Plastics News
(330) 865-6156
fesposito(at)crain.com
www.plasticsnews.com

Frank Esposito covers companies that make plastic materials, including chemical companies and oil companies. “We basically take a business-based approach,” he says. “Meaning, if a company’s building a new plant, adding capacity, introducing a new product, that’s what we’re interested in.” Coverage also includes “the nuts and bolts financial stuff,” adds Esposito. He notes that although he is interested in new products being launched, Plastic News does not go into depth on the science or chemistry of product development. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts attachments. If a pitch is related to a company’s expansion or a change in capacity, this should be noted in the subject line. Pitches should be received by Thursday to make it into the following Monday’s publication.

Plastics News covers the business of the global plastics industry. It is published weekly, with a circulation of approximately 60,000.

Newspapers
Kim Brown, Scene reporter
Tulsa World
(918) 581-8474
kim.brown(at)tulsaworld.com
www.tulsaworld.com

Kim Brown primarily covers home and gardens in the Tulsa area. She also writes about family, pets, and culture and entertainment topics. She does not write many reviews but will occasionally feature a book review. Her home and garden blog, Home Spun, can be found at TulsaWorld.com. Brown prefers to be pitched by e-mail and accepts high-resolution photos. “Sometimes we do contributed art,” she says, “but mostly we prefer to take our own. But if it’s something that just can’t be done here, we gladly accept it.”

Television
C.J. Hoyt, news director
WFIE-TV
(812) 426-1414
cjhoyt(at)14wfie.com
www.14wfie.com

C.J. Hoyt is interested in receiving press releases on local and regional news that is both urgent, meaning “happening now,” and relevant to his audience. “Make it as local as possible,” says Hoyt. “The less timely something is,” he adds, “the less interesting it is to us.” Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Follow-up calls are not welcome. Do NOT send multiple copies of the same press release.

WFIE-TV is an NBC affiliate broadcasting to Evansville, Ind., and the surrounding area. The station airs daily newscasts at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. 

Friday, November 6, 2009

Newspapers
Keith Darce, health care reporter
San Diego Union-Tribune
(619) 293-1020
keith.darce(at)uniontrib.com
www.signonsandiego.com

Keith Darce covers medical science and the business of health care, including hospitals, health care reform and health insurance, in San Diego and throughout Southern California. Press releases must have a local angle to gain his attention – whether it is a person or a company. Pitch him by e-mail. Do not send attachments or photos unless requested. Follow-up calls are encouraged. The best time to reach Darce is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. He does not want to be contacted after 4 p.m. unless it is for an urgent breaking story.

Television
Dana Hann, news director
WJBK-TV
(248) 395-3692
fox2newsdesk(at)foxtv.com
www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox

Dana Hann is interested in press releases related to local, national and international news. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts high-resolution images and attachments. A follow-up call is encouraged “just to make sure we have it and if I need more specific information, or really just to sell the idea,” says Hann. “On the important ones, it does help.”

Radio
Robin Fisher, producer
WFPL-FM / “State of Affairs”
(502) 814-6500
rfisher(at)wfpl.org
www.wfpl.org/state-of-affairs

Robin Fisher pre-screens guests and sound for promotional ads and updates research for "State of Affairs." The program's listening audience is suburban professionals between 35 and 55. Press releases can relate to any topic. "We do health, arts, politics. If we think it's a good hour discussion, we'll do the show," says Fisher. "It's really the topic that grabs my attention more than anything," she adds. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts sound-clip attachments. Follow-up calls are discouraged.

“State of Affairs” provides a public forum for discussion of the issues, people and events that impact the Louisville, Ky. community. It airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon on WFPL-FM, a non-commercial News/Talk station that includes both local programming and syndicated public radio programs.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Magazines
Laura Baker, senior editor
American Teacher
lbaker(at)aft.org
www.aft.org

Laura Baker is interested in receiving press releases about early childhood education and education issues up to grade 12. “Most of our stories pertain to issues that affect [union members] in the workplace – personally, political things, and teacher-related stories,” she says. American Teacher targets members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The publication does not cover product releases or trends. She does NOT accept submissions from experts in the field of education. She may be pitched via e-mail. Photos for the magazine are produced by the AFT. 

American Teacher is a union-only magazine that provides information of interest to preschool through high school teachers. Its subscribers are teachers, school librarians, curriculum directors, guidance counselors and retired educators. The magazine is published monthly during the school year, with combined issues for December/January and May/June.

Newspapers
Chris Bagley, business reporter
The Californian
(760) 740-5444
cbagley(at)nctimes.com
www.californian.com

Chris Bagley reports on general macroeconomics in the state of California, specifically the labor market, consumer spending and the larger consumer-focused industries, except real estate. He says press releases must have a “uniquely local angle” that relates to the northern suburbs of San Diego. Pitch him by e-mail; photos should be in JPEG format and attachments should be in either a Word document or PDF file. Bagley notes the newspaper rarely publishes outside photos.

The Californian covers business news, human interest stories, and community issues relevant to people living and working in the northern San Diego suburbs.

Television
Julie Beaver, manager
KJNP-TV
(907) 488-2216
kjnp(at)mosquitonet.com
www.mosquitonet.com/~kjnp

Julie Beaver is the TV manager at Trinity Broadcasting Network, which owns KJNP, a station covering local events, politics and public affairs in the Fairbanks, Alaska region. She says the station has a local public affairs program, titled “Closing Comments,” in which “people from the community come out and talk about various events.” Beaver says she is looking for something “that can be informative to our audience and something that the audience obviously would be interested in.” She prefers releases that are written like a news story, with the most important information at the top. Pitch her by either phone or e-mail. E-mails should NOT include any high-resolution images or attachments. Beaver does not appreciate excessive follow-up calls.

KJNP-TV is located in North Pole, Alaska, just east of Fairbanks. It has a religious/family format and is on the air approximately 16 hours a day.

Radio
Regnal Wallace, news director / farm director
KMAR-FM / "'Round Franklin"
1823 Highway 618
Winnsboro, LA 71295
(318) 435-9667
http://kmarfm.com

Regnal Wallace produces and hosts KMAR’s local news and agriculture show "'Round Franklin," which airs weekdays from 12:20 to 1 p.m. and targets farmers in the Franklin Parish, La. community. Press releases should include agricultural prices, market analysis, or local farming news. Topics may "relate to farming or anything that would affect our listeners," Wallace says. This might include state and federal legislative news, he adds. Pitch him by postal mail. A follow-up call is encouraged. Send press materials by 11 a.m. He says a story will grab his attention “if it has some sort of a local angle” or “state interest.”

KMAR-FM is a Classic Country station out of Winnsboro, La.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Newspapers
LaMond Pope, sports reporter
The Journal Gazette
(260) 461-8735
lpope(at)jg.net
www.journalgazette.net

LaMond Pope covers Indiana University basketball and football. His secondary beats are the local minor league baseball team and Big Ten football. Although he sometimes writes pieces that cover the entire state of Indiana, Pope notes his primary focus is the Fort Wayne area. Press releases must pertain to his beats. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Follow-up calls are welcome. His daily deadline is around 9 p.m.

The Journal Gazette covers local and state news that is relevant to the people of Fort Wayne, Ind. Its daily circulation is approximately 59,000.

Television
Lisa Santoro, special projects producer
KYW-TV
(215) 977-5333
santoro(at)cbs3.com
http://cbs3.com

Lisa Santoro is mostly involved in special projects at the station, but does cover some consumer-related products. “I do any type of medical or human interest-type stories.” Consumer-product stories often highlight products for mothers and babies, she adds. Santoro notes the station’s focus is “mostly national. We try to localize things as best as possible, but if there’s a ‘new something’ out there that may be dangerous and it’s available to our viewing audience, we’d be interested.” Pitch her via e-mail; she accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Deadlines for every story are different, she says. “Obviously, we try to beat the competition.”

KYW-TV is a CBS affiliate serving the Philadelphia region.

Radio
Alan Chartock, executive producer
WAMC-FM / “Health Show”
(518) 465-5233 x150
health(at)wamc.org
http://healthshow.org

Alan Chartock, a syndicated columnist and political scientist, is president and CEO of Northeast Public Radio's National Productions. He produces the WAMC “Health Show,” which he says is “particularly interested in actual medical conditions [involving the] eyes and mouth, nose and throat, esophagus and the like.” Although he is interested in a variety of issues pertaining to health care, he does NOT want any press releases related to epidemiology or peripheral health. “We try to tell people what’s the newest thing that they can be doing to protect themselves,” says Chartock. Send pitches by e-mail, with "ATTN: Bob Barrett” in the subject line. Do not send attachments unless requested.

The “Health Show” is a nationally syndicated public radio program covering all aspects of modern health, including prevention, treatment, research and administration, for an audience that includes both patients and health care providers. The show airs Thursdays from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on WAMC-FM in Albany, N.Y.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Magazines
Gina Hamadey, travel editor
Every Day with Rachael Ray
(212) 993-5200
gina_hamadey(at)rd.com
www.rachaelraymag.com

Gina Hamadey is responsible for the magazine's travel content, which includes everything from cruise information and first-person accounts of family vacations to tips on traveling green, packing light and taking photos. She says she is interested in openings, such as “new hotels, new restaurants, a new renovation if it's significant, a new festival or a big anniversary if it's a big deal in the city." Pitch her via e-mail at least six months ahead of the desired publication date.

Every Day with Rachael Ray is published 10 times a year, with double issues in December/January and June/July.

Newspapers
Laurel Graeber, columnist / assistant desk head in culture
New York Times
(212) 556-1405
graeber(at)nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com

Laurel Graeber primarily performs editing duties for the New York Times’ culture department. She also writes Spare Times: For Children, a calendar-style column of weekly cultural events in the New York area for families with children. She only covers events and is not interested in parenting advice, child psychology, or child-rearing trends. All submitted events should be within driving distance of New York City. Send information via e-mail. Graeber asks that each e-mail include no more than one photograph, as too many high-resolution images will overwhelm her system.

“Spare Times” is published online on Thursdays and appears in Friday’s Weekend Arts section.

Television
Mark Leeps, news director
WUFT-TV
(352) 392-5551 x1145
mleeps(at)wuft.org
www.wuft.org

Mark Leeps prefers press releases on news that affects residents living in Florida. “It doesn’t have to be local,” says Leeps, “but [preferably] not beyond the state.” He is interested in general interest news stories with “a good headline.” Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. The station begins airing programming at 5:30 p.m. every weekday. Send information by early afternoon.

WUFT-TV is a PBS affiliate serving the Gainesville, Fla. area. It is located on the University of Florida campus.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Magazines
Stacy Kaper, congressional reporter
American Banker / Washington bureau
(202) 434-0331
stacy.kaper(at)sourcemedia.com
www.americanbanker.com

Stacy Kaper covers banking legislation on Capitol Hill. She reports on active bills, as well as congressional panel discussions, related to credit reform, consumer finance, investor protections, regulatory agencies and more. Press releases must be related to legislative activity to interest her. Kaper notes, “It’s usually hard to find experts that are actually going to be useful. Sometimes it works out [but] usually not.” Pitch her by e-mail. It is best to contact her either before noon or after 2 p.m.

American Banker provides news and analysis to professionals in the banking and financial services industry. Its daily circulation is approximately 12,000.

Newspapers
Fred LeBrun, columnist
Times Union
(518) 454-5453
flebrun(at)timesunion.com
www.timesunion.com

Fred LeBrun writes an opinion column based on his interests, which include the outdoors, environmental issues and the Hudson River waterfront. LeBrun often takes a stance on controversial community issues ranging in subject from the regulatory process for gas drilling to the closing of major transportation routes. “Because we are the state capital,” he says, “much of what the paper covers applies to the state – to New York City, Buffalo [and] Long Island.” This includes “issues, politics, personalities involved [and] ideas being discussed,” he adds. Press releases should introduce something “that’s a change from what we know it to be, so that there’s news value to it, then there’s room for opinion on whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing,” says LeBrun. Pitch him by e-mail. His column usually appears in the paper one to two times a week.

The Times Union covers local and state news relevant to Albany and the Capital Region of Central New York state. Its daily circulation is approximately 83,000.

Television
Duncan Shaw, executive producer
KCNC-TV
(303) 830-6464
djshaw(at)cbs.com
www.kcncnews4.com

Duncan Shaw produces the morning newscasts at KCNC. He says he is interested in "anything related to topics that are currently in the news.” The station does NOT do feature interviews or lifestyle segments. Shaw is only concerned with hard news on the local, national and even international levels. Pitch him via e-mail. “If it’s a good story and I find out about it the day before, I’ll get it in the next day,” says Shaw.

KCNC-TV is a CBS-owned and -operated station broadcasting to Denver and the surrounding area.

Radio
Mike Lester, producer / host
KAMJ-FM / “Mighty Mike in the Morning”
(870) 762-2093
mightymike1st(at)hotmail.com

Mike Lester is program director for the station as well as the producer and host of "Mighty Mike in the Morning." He focuses on urban music and discusses local and national news on his morning show. The program's target audience is African-Americans 25 to 54 in northeast Arkansas, west Tennessee and southeast Missouri. Press releases may focus on new album releases or news stories that have local appeal. Pitch him by e-mail. A follow-up call is welcome. Lester says a pitch's success depends on the topic.

“Mighty Mike in the Morning” airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on KAMJ-FM, an Urban Contemporary music station in Blytheville, Ark. The station does not have a dedicated Web site.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Magazines
Allison Banks, style editor
Southern Living
2100 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 445-6000
allison_banks(at)timeinc.com
www.southernliving.com

Allison Banks covers interior design for Southern Living’s magazine and Web projects. She is interested in color, kitchen and bath design market trends. She accepts pitches sent by postal mail but says “e-mail is usually the best way.” She also accepts moderately sized e-mail attachments. The magazine works six months out; however, Banks notes the ideal lead time is one year. She asks that press releases be "more to the point" and not include "tag lines or catch phrases."

Newspapers
Bob Mook, legislature and health care reporter
The Denver Business Journal
(303) 866-9678
bmook(at)bizjournals.com
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver

Bob Mook covers health care, nonprofit organizations and public policy. He says, “I will only consider news that affects the Denver area and affects business.” Pitch him via e-mail; images should be at least 300 dpi. He accepts attachments, but prefers not to receive large Excel documents. For pitches containing urgent news, a follow-up call is acceptable.

The Denver Business Journal covers the Colorado business community in the Greater Denver area. It has a weekly circulation of approximately 17,000.

Television
Tim McGonigal, news director
KRTV-TV
(406) 791-5475
krtvnews(at)krtv.com
www.krtv.com

Tim McGonigal is interested in press releases related to local issues, such as ranching, farming and the local economy, as well as feature pieces that can be localized. “Try to humanize the story right from the get-go,” he says. "Put the most important information on the top." He also advises PR people to name local contacts in the release. "We try to get the actual people who are affected by this," McGonigal says. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. The station’s daily newscasts air at 5:30 and 10 p.m.

KRTV-TV is a CBS affiliate broadcasting to Black Eagle, Mont., and the surrounding area.

Radio
Martha Farrell, producer
KXJK-AM / “The Morning Show”
Phone: (870) 633-1252
Fax: (870) 633-1259
morningshow(at)arkradio.com
www.kxjk.com

Martha Farrell is interested in a wide range of local topics for the morning program, which features regular trivia contests and calls from listeners. "It's just a very localized fun time," says Farrell. The program targets "junior high kids all the way up through senior citizens" in Arkansas, parts of Mississippi, and Memphis, Tenn. Press releases may relate to any topic of interest to local listeners. Pitch her by fax with "Attn: Martha" on the cover sheet. A follow-up call is welcome. Send event details as soon as possible. “The quicker we get them,” says Farrell, “the quicker I can get them on the air.”

“The Morning Show” airs weekdays at 7:35 a.m. on KXJK-AM, a country music station out of Forrest City, Ark.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Magazines
Christopher Lockwood, editor in chief
Muscle & Fitness
(818) 884-6800
clockwood(at)muscleandfitness.com
www.muscleandfitness.com

Christopher Lockwood is interested in information on training, nutrition and supplements related to bodybuilding. He says story ideas must be grounded in research and feature “products that are based on solid science.” Lockwood prefers to receive pitches from credible experts, such as doctors or persons with advanced degrees in an exercise- or a fitness-related field. He is also interested in feature stories that profile an individual with a compelling fitness story. Pitch him by e-mail at least five months in advance. Attachments such as photos of a person or product are encouraged. Press releases should be short and concise. “If I like it I’ll ask for more information,” says Lockwood. “My suggestion is to market very well,” he adds. “Don’t just send me another press release like everybody else does.”  

Muscle & Fitness is a premier bodybuilding magazine that appeals to a wide audience. Its monthly circulation is approximately 420,000.

Television
Rusty Mizell, assistant news director
KATV-TV
(501) 324-7758
rmizell(at)katv.com
www.katv.com

Rusty Mizell is interested in receiving anything with a local perspective that will appeal to his audience. Be sure to include “local connections on a national story,” he says. He prefers press releases that provide information for an event that has good visual potential. "There's nothing like a video opportunity," says Mizell. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Press releases should be sent from a hard news angle, rather than from a sales standpoint.

KATV-TV is an ABC affiliate serving the Little Rock, Ark. viewing area.

Radio
Dale Jeffries, host
KSRV-AM / "Treasure Valley Live"
Phone: (541) 889-8651
Fax: (541) 889-8733
dale(at)impactradiogroup.com
www.ksrv1380.com

Dale Jeffries hosts “Treasure Valley Live,” which targets rural listeners over 45 in several small towns in the Ontario, Ore. area. He covers local nonprofit organizations, such as rotary clubs and chambers of commerce, and area senators and representatives regarding community issues and legislative matters. Press releases should relate to agriculture, family issues and community news. Pitch him by e-mail or fax; he accepts sound-clip attachments. A follow-up call is welcome.

"Treasure Valley Live" airs weekdays from 8 to 10 a.m. on KSRV-AM, a News/Talk station in Ontario, Ore., that features agricultural information. Jeffries serves as station manager at KSRV-AM and at KSRV-FM, located in Nampa, Idaho. Both stations are owned by Impact Radio Group.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Magazines
Josh Friedlander, research editor
AR: Absolute Return + Alpha
(212) 224-3564
jfriedlander(at)absolutereturn.net
www.absolutereturn-alpha.com

Josh Friedlander specifically covers U.S.-based hedge funds. He is only interested in company acquisitions and mergers if hedge funds are involved. He does NOT want material on personal finance, legislation that does not directly impact hedge funds, or politics that do not directly relate to hedge funds.

Pitch him via e-mail. A follow-up call is welcome. “If it’s something I should know about,” says Friedlander, “then of course I’d want a follow-up call.” He advises PR professionals to be aware of the magazine's focus and to review his previous work. He notes that unless PR professionals are representing a hedge fund, he probably will not use their press release. The monthly magazine’s deadline is the second to last week of every month. The best times to reach Friedlander are the beginning and end of the month.

Absolute Return + Alpha provides news and analysis on the U.S. hedge fund market for qualified institutional investors, hedge fund managers and other financial industry professionals. Its monthly circulation is approximately 9,000.

Newspapers
Steve Penhollow, entertainment writer
The Journal Gazette
(260) 461-8479
spen(at)jg.net
www.journalgazette.net

Steve Penhollow covers arts and entertainment, from ballet and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra to major motion pictures. The paper’s circulation is mainly in Northeast Indiana but extends into western Ohio and southern Michigan as well. “We definitely focus mostly on things that are happening in the region,” says Penhollow. His work appears in the entertainment section, which runs twice a week on Friday and Sunday. He is interested in press releases that contain graphic elements and relate to his beat. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts attachments and high-resolution images that are at least 400 dpi. Follow-up calls are encouraged. Penhollow requests that entertainment materials be submitted seven days in advance for Friday publication and 10 days in advance for Sunday publication.

The Journal Gazette covers local and state news relevant to Fort Wayne, Ind. It has a daily circulation of approximately 59,000.

Radio
Kim Trobee, producer / host
"Family News in Focus"
(719) 548-5751
kimberly.trobee(at)fotf.org
www.family.org/cforum/fnif

Kim Trobee hosts and edits scripts for “Family News in Focus,” which targets "soccer moms with kids at home who are interested in public policy," she says. Topics such as abortion, gay marriage, abstinence, gambling, indecency, obscenity and pornography are covered on the show. Press releases may relate to "anything that would negatively affect the family,” says Trobee. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts sound-clip attachments. Follow-up calls are discouraged. Send press releases the day of an event.

“Family News in Focus” features news and information on pressing moral and social issues that impact the family. Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., it airs daily at various times on hundreds of affiliate stations nationwide.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Magazines
Debi McGill, editor in chief
Stroke Connection Magazine
(214) 706-1556
debi.mcgill(at)heart.org
www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2533

Debi McGill is in charge of content for Stroke Connection, which she says is an "extremely niche" publication geared toward "stroke survivors and their family caregivers." The magazine’s content includes articles on life after a stroke, inspirational stories, secondary prevention news, breakthroughs in rehabilitation and recovery, and post-stroke adaptive equipment. Since the magazine focuses on daily living, information about new products may be incorporated into stories about quality of life. McGill says she will not publish press releases unless "it's incredible breakthrough news that's important to this audience." Also, she rarely publishes submissions from industry experts but is open to using them as resources.

Pitch her via e-mail; her secondary e-mail address is strokeconnection(at)heart.org. Tell her in the e-mail if high-resolution photos are available, but do not send them initially. One follow-up call or voicemail message is sufficient. McGill says she looks at everything sent to her in an effort to learn what is new. If the magazine staff is interested in working on the story, someone will be in touch. Lead time is four months. "We have so little space," says McGill. "If you know you have a story to go out in May, you're going to want to pitch that to me in January or early February."

Stroke Connection Magazine is published by the American Stroke Association six times a year.

Newspapers
Joe Gardyasz, senior reporter
Des Moines Business Record
(515) 288-3336 x249
joegardyasz(at)bpcdm.com
www.businessrecord.com

Joe Gardyasz is looking for regional business news or trend stories pertaining to companies in Des Moines, Iowa. “We primarily look at the business-to-business niche – businesses that are serving other companies – and I’m particularly interested in financial services, banking, insurance or health care companies,” says Gardyasz. Press releases and story ideas should have relevance to business owners and executives in the Greater Des Moines area. Send pitches via e-mail; attachments are accepted. The paper’s weekly deadline falls on Wednesday. Pitches should be made one to two weeks prior to the desired publication date.

The Des Moines Business Record covers business news for the Greater Des Moines area. It is published weekly and has a circulation of approximately 5,500.

Television
Sandy Daronco, bureau chief
WCBS-TV / Westchester bureau
(917) 682-0103
sdaronco(at)cbs.com
http://wcbstv.com/info

Sandy Daronco manages WCBS’ Westchester bureau, which she says covers all the northern counties including Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and parts of Sullivan and Dutchess in New York state as well as Fairfield County, Conn. “We’re looking for people stories – a new business starting up, a business shutting down [or] anything economy-related,” says Daronco. “It can be national, but if there’s a local angle, of course that’s preferable.” She pays attention to newsworthy press releases with a local perspective that will appeal to her audience. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts high-resolution images and attachments. “Just give me a one-liner of what the story’s about at the top,” says Daronco. Follow-up calls are welcome. “Always call the morning of the event,” she adds. The station’s daily deadline is 3 p.m.

The Westchester bureau of WCBS-TV focuses on news in White Plains, N.Y., and the surrounding area.

Radio
Shaun Dodge, executive producer
KESN-FM / “Galloway and Company”
(214) 258-2800
shaun.dodge(at)espn1033.com
www.espn1033.com

Shaun Dodge produces local sports and entertainment content for "Galloway and Company,” which targets males 25 to 54 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Press releases should relate to "music or movie releases," says Dodge. The station receives plenty of sports releases from ESPN, he adds, “so any kind of lifestyle-type things, we’d be interested in." Pitch him by e-mail. Follow-up calls are discouraged. Lead time is two weeks.

“Galloway and Company” airs weekdays at 3 p.m. on KESN-FM, a commercial News/Talk station serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Newspapers
Matthew Malamud, staff writer
AHA News
(202) 626-2365
mmalamud(at)aha.org
www.ahanews.com

Matthew Malamud covers regulatory issues and legislation affecting hospitals. He is interested in receiving information regarding hospital employment and funding opportunities as well as health information technology. Pitch him via e-mail; he accepts photos and attachments as long as they are in JPEG or PDF format.

AHA News provides hospital executives with the latest news on legislation and regulations that affect hospital administrative operations, including updates on activity within governmental agencies that have an impact on hospital policy. It is published by the American Hospital Association twice each month and has a circulation of approximately 22,000.

Television
Christy Buckland, news director
WVNS-TV
(304) 929-6420
cbuckland(at)wvnstv.com
www.cbs59.com

Christy Buckland is interested in receiving material about local news in southern West Virginia. Pitches may include information on crime, the economy or education. “It needs to have some relevance to the local market,” says Buckland. She is NOT interested in product pitches. Send press releases and story ideas via e-mail; include attachments such as graphics and photos.

WVNS-TV is a CBS affiliate that broadcasts to Beckley, Bluefield and Lewisburg in southern West Virginia.

Radio
Lisa Jay, news director / producer
KWYR-AM / "Farm & Ranch Review"
(605) 842-3333
kwyrnews(at)gwtc.net
www.kwyr.com

Lisa Jay focuses on regional agriculture and livestock news and information on her show “Farm & Ranch Review,” which targets issues and people in south-central South Dakota and north-central Nebraska. Press releases should cover local news and people, says Jay. "Unless it's something that's truly going to affect my local people, it's probably not necessary." Pitch her by e-mail. A follow-up call is welcome. Since Jay also produces the station’s morning show beginning at 5 a.m., she is only in the office until 2 p.m.

"Farm & Ranch Review" airs weekdays from 3:30 to 3:40 p.m. on KWYR-AM, a Country music station serving Winner, S.D.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Magazines
Elyssa Paige, associate editor
Vision Magazine
(619) 294-2393
elyssa(at)visionmagazine.com
www.visionmagazine.com

Elyssa Paige covers holistic health, spirituality, progressive living and the environment. She is interested in stories that relate to the theme of each issue. The magazine's editorial calendar can be found on the publication’s Web site; press releases and pitches should be sent to editor(at)visionmagazine.com 60 to 90 days in advance. Paige asks that PR firms send “a short pitch” of “just a few sentences in the body of the e-mail.” Additional information may be included as either an attachment or a Web link.

Vision Magazine focuses on holistic lifestyles, including health, spirituality, the environment and the arts. Its monthly circulation is approximately 90,000.

Newspapers
Joyce Tsai, staff reporter
Dallas Business Journal
(214) 706-7121
joycetsai(at)bizjournals.com
http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas

Joyce Tsai covers health care, education and nonprofits from a business perspective. She says the Business Journal focuses on expansions in real estate or in staffing. Tsai is only interested in local industries and locally based companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Pitch her via e-mail; photos and attachments are accepted. She encourages follow-up calls.

The Dallas Business Journal focuses on business community news of the Greater Dallas area. It is published weekly, with a circulation of approximately 15,000.

Television
Julia Seifer, special projects producer
KABC-TV
(818) 863-7600
julia.c.seifer(at)abc.com
www.abclocal.go.com/kabc

Julia Seifer mainly covers local news related to health care and medicine as well as human interest stories. Pitch her via e-mail; she accepts high-resolution images and attachments. Seifer does not appreciate receiving multiple e-mails or phone calls regarding the same pitch. She says press releases “can stand out to me if they are simple – not overly complicated – and if I don’t get 14 of them.” She notes the station operates on a daily deadline and airs newscasts at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. in Los Angeles. “If it’s a day-of story,” says Seifer, “try to get me the information in time for me to be able to use it.”

Radio
Derek Caldwell, producer / host
KNIA-AM / “Let's Talk Racing”
(641) 842-3161
derekcardwell(at)kniakrls.com
www.kniakrls.com

Derek Caldwell covers Knoxville Raceway events, NASCAR races and occasionally the Indianapolis 500. He says his target audience is primarily Sprint car fans. Press releases may include "anything Sprint car related," says Caldwell. "We tend to mention what's going on at the Iowa Speedway." Do NOT send information about drag racing, motorcycle racing or Formula 1. Pitch him by e-mail. Follow-up calls are discouraged. Send press materials early in the week.

“Let's Talk Racing” features news and discussion of NASCAR and some other racing venues and issues relevant to local listeners. It airs Sundays on KNIA-AM, a Classic Country music station out of Knoxville, Iowa. 

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Magazines
Michelle Froese, managing editor
North American Clean Energy
(604) 288-8493
mfroese(at)nacleanenergy.com
www.nacleanenergy.com

Michelle Froese is in charge of editorial content covering renewable energy, which includes wind, solar, geothermal, biofuel and biomass energy sources. The magazine targets energy distributors, decision makers and utility companies, among others in the industry. Froese says she is looking for press releases on “anything from safety in wind turbines to the electronics and the manufacturing that goes into a wind turbine,” as well as “engineering that goes on with geothermal [and] different research related to biofuels and biomass.” She is also interested in investments, new technologies and government policies affecting renewable energy. In addition, she accepts bylined articles from PR firms and experts within the renewable energy field.

Pitch her by e-mail. Press releases should appear in the body of the e-mail, not as attachments. All materials should be received four to six weeks in advance.

North American Clean Energy provides news and information for professionals in the alternative energy industry, which includes wind, solar, hydro, biomass and geothermal power. It is published every other month, with a circulation of approximately 15,000.

Newspapers
Chris Martell, features reporter
Wisconsin State Journal
(608) 252-6179
cmartell(at)madison.com
www.madison.com/wsj

Chris Martell writes restaurant reviews and lifestyle stories for the paper’s entertainment section. She tries to keep stories related to Wisconsin, particularly the Madison area. Pitch her by e-mail; she accepts high-resolution photos in JPEG format. She does NOT appreciate receiving “gimmicky” packages.

The Wisconsin State Journal covers local and state news relevant to people in and around Madison.

Television
Jerry Dishong, news director
KDUH-TV
(308) 632-3071
jerry(at)kotatv.com
www.kotanow.com

Jerry Dishong is interested in stories with a local or regional perspective. Topics may include tourism, medical breakthroughs or agriculture. Pitch him by e-mail; include an intriguing, topical subject line. "Mention my name perhaps," says Dishong. He accepts high-resolution images and attachments. His daily deadline for breaking news is noon. "Keep in mind we're in the Mountain time zone," he adds.

KDUH-TV is the ABC affiliate serving the Scottsbluff, Neb. viewing area.

Radio
Cy Emerus, producer / host
“Trends, Taste & Travel”
(704) 552-9933
travel(at)cyemerus.com
www.cyemerus.com

Cy Emerus is an airline pilot who has traveled all over the world during his more than 35 years in the business. He is interested in press releases pertaining to travel, wine and dining, and affluent lifestyles. Pitch him by e-mail at least two weeks in advance; attachments are NOT welcome. Emerus urges PR firms to keep pitches concise.

“Trends, Taste & Travel” is a national travel program covering travel tips, fine dining and cigars, and exotic travel destinations around the globe from an insider’s perspective. It airs at various times on stations throughout the U.S.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Magazines
Robert Eubanks, news editor
Quarter Horse News
(817) 737-6397
robert.eubanks(at)cowboypublishing.com
http://quarterhorsenews.com

Robert Eubanks writes features for Quarter Horse News in addition to his editing duties. Eubanks notes the magazine’s emphasis is on the performance horse industry, which he says “has nothing to do with quarter-horse racing.” He is primarily interested in writing features about the equestrian sport of cutting, as well as reining horses and competitions. He also covers developments affecting the general horse industry, such as news related to the transportation of horses between states, as well as stories on horse nutrition and medicinal products. Pitch him via e-mail; he accepts attachments and high-resolution photos. Lead time is three to four weeks.

Quarter Horse News focuses on the performance horse industry, including reining, cutting, barrel racing, shows, sales and futurities. It is published twice a month and has a circulation of approximately 11,000. The publication is distributed free of charge at performance horse events coast to coast.

Newspapers
Ron Nixon, projects reporter
New York Times
(212) 556-5239
nixon(at)nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com

Ron Nixon covers “a lot of the bigger stories” involving business, government and lifestyle issues. He does not have a set beat and is more inclined to take on long-term projects. He prefers to receive press releases that cover the intersection of national business and the federal government, such as news on industry lobbyists or federal stimulus contracts. Nixon says a press release catches his attention “if it’s something that deals with a topic that I might be looking at, at that particular time, or if it’s something that’s just interesting” from a national perspective. Pitch him by e-mail with a catchy headline; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. A follow-up call is welcome.

Television
Dennis Kinney, news director
KXXV-TV
(254) 754-2525
ideas(at)kxxv.com
www.kxxv.com

Dennis Kinney is interested in receiving anything related to “hard local news that we would be breaking ourselves.” He does not want mass-mailed, national press releases or any soft news. “If it’s a feature report, we’re not going to do it; we don’t do interview-type things” says Kinney. “We don’t do localizations of national stories for the most part either,” he adds. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments.

KXXV-TV is an ABC affiliate serving the Waco, Texas viewing area.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Magazines
Nancy Minikes, research features editor
Woman’s World
(201) 569-0006 x246
nminikes(at)bauerpublishing.com
www.bauerpublishing.com/WW/WW_mission/WW_mission.html

Nancy Minikes is responsible for researching all potential features for Woman’s World. She says she is looking for "dramatic, emotional human-interest stories," which may include a woman recovering from breast cancer, women facing parenting or relationship issues, shopping addicts or women who have problems with clutter. “We also look for stories that can give help to our readers to overcome difficulties in their everyday life,” she adds.

Pitch her by e-mail; attachments are accepted. For weight-loss stories, include before-and-after photos. Minikes recommends that PR firms be as detailed as possible when sending a press release. All releases should include the name and contact information of the woman being featured. She also advises PR professionals to read the magazine before pitching a story. “Most of our stories are not day or season-specific,” says Minikes, “so it doesn’t matter really when stories are sent to us. But … we work about three months in advance.”

Newspapers
Tom Wilemon, general assignment reporter
Memphis Daily News
(901) 528-8622
twilemon(at)memphisdailynews.com
www.memphisdailynews.com

Tom Wilemon primarily covers business news relating to health care, bioscience, and nonprofits in the Memphis, Tenn. region. “Don’t bother me with anything that does not have a Memphis angle or a health care trend angle,” says Wilemon. Pitch him via e-mail; pictures and attachments are accepted.

The Memphis Daily News covers business, politics and legal news in and around Memphis, Tenn. It is published weekdays and has a circulation of approximately 5,000.

Television
Steve Asplund, assistant news director / anchor
WLUC-TV
(906) 475-4141
sasplund(at)wluctv6.com
http://wluctv6.com

Steve Asplund is most interested in covering local and regional stories that impact the community, but will also take national stories that can be given a local perspective. “Obviously, the local news is most important to us,” says Asplund. He prefers press releases that are short and concise, with the most important information at the top. Pitch him by e-mail; he accepts high-resolution images and attachments. The station's daily deadlines are 5:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

WLUC-TV is the NBC affiliate serving the Negaunee, Mich. viewing area.

Radio
Earl Hawkins, program director / morning host
KNEU-AM
(435) 722-5011
radio(at)ubtanet.com
www.stormpc.com/fox/cntrylink.htm

Earl Hawkins is in charge of programming at KNEU and also covers local news as host of the station's weekday morning show. The station targets individuals 25 to 59. Hawkins says he is interested in news "pertaining to Utah mostly." Pitch him by e-mail. Event pitches should be received 24 hours before the event.

KNEU-AM is a commercial country music station in Roosevelt, Utah. Hawkins serves as music director at sister station KIFX-FM (Adult Contemporary), as well as program director and music director at the local Classic Rock station, KCUA-FM.