Seattle Times
P.O. Box 70
Seattle, WA 98111
The wind and rain may be affecting the moods of the staff, who are not receptive to continual voice messages or calls. Since phone pitching is an exercise in futility, stick with faxes or snail mail when trying to get the attention of these editors. Most prefer ideas on West-Coast happenings, especially in Seattle, but unique and interesting stories affecting the nation always are welcome. (Circulation: weekly, 229,700; Sunday 504,400; demographics: male readers: 831,000, female readers: 854,000; 55% are 45-to 54-year-olds; 56% college graduates; and 52%, HHI $50,000+)
| SECTIONS | EDITORS/LEADTIME | METHODS | COMMENTS |
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ENTertainment/ arts: Covers all types of entertainment: classical music, theater, arts, movies and television. An ancillary section, "Northwest Weekend," runs on Friday as a supplement and covers excursions like hiking and biking. A family entertainment section runs Saturday. |
Editor Doug Kim Fax: 206/464-2239 Phone: 206/464-2583 Lead Time: |
The only way to get coverage is to either mail or fax these editors. Both Editor Doug Kim and Assistant Editor Brian Harrah loathe phone calls. |
Pitch all ideas to editors by beats, listed below. If you do not hear back from them, assume your idea is not getting coverage.
Kim's pet peeve is "anything that wastes time, like long phone messages" and press releases with unnecessary words. To get an event listed, fax to Doug Knoop, senior clerk at 206/464-2239. Include time, date, ticket prices, phone number for the public and the contacts for editors. |
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Business: Mostly covers local businesses affecting Seattle natives, but looks for breaking news such as the Northwest Airlines strike. Examples of major beats the business section include Microsoft, Boeing, retail and high-tech. |
Editor Robert Weissman Fax: 206/382-8879 Phone: 206/464-3250 Lead Time: for breaking stories, as soon as possible; others, two weeks |
Weissman is very clear on his voice mail message directed toward PR folks. He prefers all pitches by fax. You can leave a voice mail, but realize that calling more than once will not get your idea covered and might hinder your chances. |
Unlike most newspapers, the Seattle Times has an afternoon deadline of 1 p.m., PDT. Therefore, mornings are the worst time to call. A better time is about 2 p.m, when the editors are off deadline and can listen to pitches.
Recent stories include, "Condit to Testify at Racial-Bias Trial," about Boeing's Chairman; "Critics Seek Action on Global Woes;" and "Stocks Drop as Rate-Curb Hopes Chilled." |
Editorial Contacts at Seattle Times
Main Number: 206/464-2111
Melinda Bargreen Music Critic
206/464-2321
John Hartl
Movie Critic
206/464-2314
Patrick MacDonald
Music Editor
206/464-2312
Cynthia Rose
Business Editor
206/464-2464
Robin Updike
Art Critic
206/464-2270
Brian Harrah
Assistant Editor
Arts and Entertainment
206/464-2258
Carol Pucci
Assistant Business Editor
206/464-2158
Robyn Galvin
Editorial Assistant, Business
206/464-8247
Alex MacLeod
Managing Editor
206/464-2498
Recent Stories
"Negative Signals for Boeing Orders," a story about how China froze all Boeing airplane orders, by Polly Lane.
"Double Dylan at Puyallup," an arts feature about the Wallflowers with Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, by Patrick MacDonald.
"Immunex Drug Wins Backing of FDA Panel," by Tyron Beason.