Media Insight: Newsday

235 Pinelawn Road,

Melville, N.Y. 11747-4250; phone 516/843-2700

Close to 1 million people read Newsday for business and lifestyle buzz. But even though this media outlet is based on Long Island, its editorial reach extends beyond. Coverage includes health news affecting New Yorkers at large and national breaking news. New York arguably is one of the most competitive healthcare environments in the world, so if you pitch them an idea that doesn't fit their edgy style, rejection will be quick.

SECTIONS

Health, Science & Technology

Newsday dedicates about 12 to 14 pages to this genre weekly, including its Health and Discovery section on Tuesday. Topics include medical breakthroughs and new medications/treatments.

The "Plugged-In" technology section comes out on Wednesdays with at least six pages. It's targeted for the consumer and features tutorial-flavored stories; columns; kids and computers; software/hardware cyber culture; and ISPs.

EDITORS

Health, Science & Technology Editor Reg Gale

Deputy Science Editor Marci Kemen E-mail is preferred and is triaged by Gale or Kemen. Send pitches to: [email protected] or [email protected]

DAYS TO CONTACT/DAYS TO AVOID

Because of staggered deadlines, it's impossible to peg when it's not hectic on the news side.

METHODS

E-mail's the way to go. "I discourage long discussions over the phone - give us an idea in a letter or e-mail," says Gale.

COMMENTS

"What you have to remember about Newsday is that most of our reporting ideas come from our staff and regular freelancers," adds Gale. "Capturing our attention isn't easy." Your best bet is to establish a rapport with these editors and reporters by following their coverage over a span of time and discovering ways that you can interject something new into an issue or topic.

Editorial Contacts At Newsday Main Number - 516/843-2020

Editor - Tony Marro 516/843-2842

Managing Editor - Charlotte Hall 516/843-2080

Assistant Managing Editor - Frank Bridgewater 808/525-8675

Business Editor - Steve Sink 516/843-3117

National Editor - Lonnie Isabel 516/843-2778

Deputy Editor, Administration & Style - Barbara Schuler, 516/843-2939

Deputy Editor, Entertainment and Features - Judy Cartwright, 516/843-2933

Long Island Life Editor - Denise Flaim 516/843-2492

Health, Science and Technology Editor - Reg Gale, 516/843-4607

Queens Editor - Paul Moses 718/575-2545