drDrew.com
36 West Colorado Blvd. Unit 5
Pasadena, CA 91105
The famous Gen-X radio talk show doctor takes his "Love Line" advice to the next level: First the radio show, then MTV and now, after 14 years on the job, Dr. Drew Pinksky goes online.
Unlike its more staid online competition (Dr. Ruth and Dr. Koop), the site, which launched Oct. 4, avoids taking itself too seriously. DrDrew.com incorporates young, hip California journalists with medical experts, resulting in a content blend that's half health and sex advice and half pop culture.
Recent stories include a profile of Hollywood's Natalie Portman, an article on how HIV tests work and a chat about handling the pressures of college.
What's Pitchable
If your pitch is about health or medicine and it appeals to the target ages 18 to 25 or teenagers, it's a good candidate for coverage on the site. Health and medical books make good pitches, but no matter what, the product or information must be angled to appeal to the generation reading the content.
Pop culture news, such as trends, musicians or serious issues, also is covered on the site. It's a community environment at drdrew.com, featuring Woodstock stories alongside chat room space where members are asked to post their thoughts on depression.
Contacts
Although Pinsky directs health-related editorial content, don't pitch him directly. Managing Editor Jennifer Maerz is a better bet if you want your news pitch heard. Send Maerz email to [email protected], unless you've got a product pitch, in which case she'd rather receive a press kit by mail to her attention.
Health-related information, including research or anything medical, should be pitched to Health Editor Timothy Cruz, MD, at [email protected].
Comments
The issues discussed on the site are propelled by user feedback. The site's editors aim to give information in a serious, but non-judgmental manner. Dr. Drew's regular Webcast is a big part of the persona of the site, but his skill at mixing lifestyle, celebrity and health information governs all aspects of the site.
And it's still growing. Stay posted for another news editor in the near future.