!@! Possible Radical Reference Query
I've looked at bit at the site, but I'm not sure if this counts
as a "radical reference" question, nor am I sure how much it is
expected of me to include the reasons why it might be.
Query:
I am looking for an email list for the general media.
I have, of course, been able to create my own list of
the major television, radio and print media, and many
of the Internet media, as well, but I am looking from
the perspective of creating a much more complete list
to use when announcing free eBooks.
Here's the rub.
Every time Google announces a new consortium member--
the media is all over it--even if the added libraries
don't add up to that many possible new eBooks for the
average person to download.
Shortly, I am going to be sending out press releases,
this time for The Fifth Annual World eBook Fair which
promises to have about 3 1/8 million eBooks, free for
the downloading between July 4 and August 4. July 4,
1971 was the date of the first eBook, so this date is
going to mark the start of the 40th year of eBooks.
The First World eBook Fair ended up on the front page
of The Boston Globe, then The New York Times who owns
The Boston Globe, and thence to the AP, etc., and the
total sppears to have been about 1500 newspapers plus
other media outlets worldwide, around four years ago.
However, since that time we have not managed to get a
story about the doubline in size of the books' number
each year since then.
The excuse, when I get them on the phone or email, is
that this is "old news," it has been done before.
Well, it's never been done to the tune of 3+ million!
Heck, you would have a VERY hard time getting just an
eBook download of 1 million eBooks from Google!!!
OK, I've probably said more than enough for now.
Any suggestions on how I can create big media lists?
Ones that don't only include the major media?
Many thanks!!!
Michael S. Hart
Founder
Project Gutenberg,
Inventor of eBooks
ANSWER: Media Email List
This is a good question that seems to have two related parts: First is how to prepare a more extensive media list, and second is how to "pitch" a story in way that gets the media to bite. Since you didn't focus on the latter question I will skip it for now. But, submit a new query if you are also looking for public relations strategy resources.
In terms of creating big media lists, there are three reputable directories for general media:
Bacon's Media Directory is the most well-known.
http://us.cision.com/products_services/bacons_media_directories_2010.asp
There is several editions covering. It is proprietary and costs a good deal.
You can check to see if your local free library has a recent edition by searching http://www.worldcat.org. Enter your zip code to see holdings at nearby libraries.
BurrellesLuce is another reliable source.
http://www.burrellesluce.com/Media_Contacts
It is more affordable and includes contacts for multimedia journalists and bloggers.
Vocus is the third professional-grade directory.
http://www.vocus.com/content/prmediadb.asp
Again, it is costly, but well-reviewed by customers.
You did not mention whether you were focusing on U.S. or international media. Check with the above companies to see how many international contacts they include and whether they include email information for journalists (some journalists still prefer to be contacted by phone or fax). There is one service I found (with far fewer contacts) that includes world media, see Mondo Times:
http://www.mondotimes.com/topic/index.html
In addition you might try Contacts on Tap if you are looking for a more affordable list. It includes 60,000 U.S. contacts at a lower annual cost.
https://www.cornerbarpr.com/cot/freetrial1.cfm
I hope these help.