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http://www.computerworld.com
For a bunch of techies, these editors charmed us with their warm personalities and willingness to talk about how PR pros can better serve this weekly newspaper for IT managers. Spark their interest with an exclusive story pitch or a juicy case study about a lesson learned that other IT employees can take home. Editors want press releases that describe the company's technology and any business problems associated with the product. Gain access to editors' high tech world by dropping them a quick voice mail or e-mail about an interesting trend you've seen recently.
SECTION: BUSINESS This section focuses on the economic impact of information technology on large organizations. Issues covered include the Y2K bug and e-commerce news. The buzz words for these editors are people, processes and profits.
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Editor, Kevin Fogarty, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: 508/820-8246, Lead Time: at least one week
METHODS: E-mail is preferable. The best time to contact the business section editors is Friday afternoon and Tuesday evening one week before production.
COMMENTS: Vendors who can provide exclusive stories to Fogarty will not only get better play but make fast friends with the business editors. Tie a product announcement into a broader trend and you may see your story increase from a short brief into a longer trend piece.
SECTION: TECHNOLOGY Sheier says he wants any ideas that target a medium to large company. Pitches should list specific products for the IT professional, while also telling Sheier how to implement them.
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Editor, Robert Scheier, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: 508/820-8226, Lead Time: at least one week
METHOD: Scheier also wants e-mail, but has specific requirements. "Ideally, I want a one to two screen e-mail and if the PR person can insert their message, not attach the file, that's best," Scheier says.
COMMENTS: Keep in mind that stories in this section target medium to large companies and update readers on what products they should purchase and how to implement these products. Target the following weekly departments that appear in the technology section: hardware, software and networking. Also try pitching, "Quick Study," a section about hot technologies in the news (editor listed below).
Editorial Contacts at Computerworld
Main Number: 508-879-0700
Editor's Note: For a full list of beat reporters, go to http://www.computerworld.com/inc/contacts_editb.html
Patricia Keefe, News Editor, 508/820-8183
Michael Goldberg, Assistant News Editor, 508/620-7789
Anne McCrory, Assistant Business Editor, 508/820-8205
Steve Ulfelder, Assistant Technology Editor, 508/620-7745
Tom Diederich, Reporter Computerworld Online, 650/524-7117
Stefanie McCann, "Quick Study" reporter, 508/820-8274
Recent Stories
"Brace for Y2K woes in July, Gartner analyst warns," a news story about how Y2K computer problems will begin in July. By Kathleen Ohlson.
"Comcast buys MediaOne in $60 billion stock swap," a story by Kristi Essick and Tom Diederich about the deal that brings together the third- and fourth-largest cable providers in the U.S.American Legacy