635 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20001-3753
Telephone: 202/414-2000
http://www.npr.org
There is a great deal of subject overlap among the desks at NPR. For example, both the science and the national desks handle environmental stories. But that doesn't mean you
should blindly send pitches to a dozen contacts. It's best to check out the complete email list of contacts on NPR's Web site to find out who should receive your story idea.
Desk/Contacts
THE NATIONAL DESK
Covers hard news, political, economic, legal, social, educational, environmental and urban issues. This desk also covers business news and features.
Contacts
Northeast: Ken Barcus, 202/414-3357, [email protected]
South: Michael Fields, 202/414-2764, [email protected]
Midwest: Libby Lewis, 202/414-2771, [email protected]
Business: Les Cook, 202/414-2767, [email protected]
THE CULTURAL DESK
Covers art, religion, history and the media.
Contacts
Senior Editor: Sharon Ball, 202/414-2191, [email protected]
Arts Producer: Tom Cole, 202/414-2192, [email protected]
Editor: Deborah George, 202/414-2193, [email protected]
THE SCIENCE DESK
Covers medicine, health, policy, basic science psychology, technology and the environment.
Contacts
Senior Editor: Ann Gudenkaug, 202/414-2787, [email protected]
Deputy Senior Editor: Jeol Neel, 202/414-2778, [email protected]
Editor: Brenda Wilson: 202/414-2783, [email protected]
Senior Producer: Jane Greenhalgh, 202/414-2790, [email protected]
PITCHES WITH UNKNOWN DESTINATIONS
Contact
Deborah George, 202/414-2232, [email protected].
Pitch tips
If the event is earth-shattering or has to do with a celebrity, then phoning the contact is welcomed. All other correspondence should be by email or regular mail. Faxing is
not recommended. "We go through two reams of fax paper a day that nobody reads," says Cindy Samuels, a general editor with the station. "There is nobody to sort through them. If
anybody reads them it's by accident.
Breaking news should be delivered as soon as possible. With not-so-urgent stories, station heads would like at least a two-week head start before airing it.
It's important to remember that NPR is a public organization and does not have support staff to rifle through all the press releases. The station also does not allow mass-
mailed press releases to be deliver via email. If NPR's address is a part to your mailing list the editors ask that it be deleted.
Comments
NPR is not interested in stories that center on product launches. Pitches that get airtime are ones showing an impact on society, where a change has occurred.
The average length of a news spot is 45 to 59 seconds. If NPR runs your segment, tapes can be obtained by calling 888/677-6397.