Moneyline Newshour
Recently renamed "The Moneyline Newshour with Lou Dobbs," this CNN flagship evening show isn't just for financial pitches. In addition to financial coverage, Newshour has increased technology coverage and general-interest stories. Producers and reporters were difficult to track down, so we suggest a quick e-mail or fax as your first step in the communications process. Unless you happen to catch them answering the phone, don't take a gamble that they'll call you back.
SECTIONS: ASSIGNMENT DESK
All pitches for news or features go through the assignment desk. The show airs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. weekdays, EST. The program is now running a half-hour of non-financial news, giving PR pros additional pitching leverage.
EDOTORS/ LEAD TIME: Assignment Editor, Tom Mucha, Gene Bloch
Fax: 212/631-7297, Phone: 212/714-5800
Lead Time: depends on the nature of the story. For breaking leads, call that day.
METHODS: A fax is the best method for contacting the assignment desk. If you must call, don't expect to immediately speak with Mucha or Bloch. You'll have to first go through the main assignment desk number.
COMMENTS: The assignment desk editor will direct you to the appropriate producer or correspondent for just about any topic. Dobbs covers sports, mergers and the stock market nightly.
SECTIONS: BOOKING UNIT
If your luck fails with the producers at the assignment desk, try courting the booking unit. Bookers are trying both to increase the number of guests on the show and the amount of air time given to a guest.
EDITORS/ LEAD TIME: Booker, Lisa Jacobs, e-mail: [email protected]
Lead time: Again, depends on the guest. For breaking news, always call that morning.
METHODS: We found that the staff from both the booking unit and news desk are not receptive to any interruptions during the work day. Send a quick e-mail to Jacobs, and hope for the best.
COMMENTS: Although the show is expanding coverage, pitching high-profile executives or financial analysts will get you more air time.
Unless your client is the newsmaker of the day (you'd have no trouble pitching Milosevic as a guest), avoid the "I have breaking news" stunt.
Editorial Contacts at Moneyline Newshour
Main Number: 212/714-7848
Lou Dobbs
Managing Editor, anchor
212/714-7914
David Bohrman
Executive-in-Charge
212/714-6942
Steve Young
Technology Correspondent
212/714-7848
Bruce Francis
Technology Correspondent
[email protected]
Jenny Harris
Line Producer
212/714-7960
Paul Sloan
Senior Producer, Business
212/714-3341
Rob Sherman
Futures Editor
212/714-7984
Rachel Brown
Booking
212/714-7848