Businesses can boost their organization by getting media coverage. Below is some information about some key media you may want to contact.

US News & World Report, 202-955-2000, says it is changing focus to deliver more analysis and investigative pieces and less story chasing. It is consolidating print and online staff, so there should be some opportunities here. Media staff reductions always help the aggressive media relations person. We'll probably be seeing more list type pieces, like "Best of..." features.

New publications like Your Health Now, also offer good editorial opportunities. The bi-monthly book's focus is in empowering people to have productive conversations with their health care providers. It is published by Merck.

Meredith has bought Fitness and is trying to expand its female audience beyond the hard-core workout crowd. They are planning to boost nutrition, psychology and beauty coverage in the publication. Kate Moodie, 212-4999-2000, has been named executive style editor there.

Closer to my Carolina home, Sherry B. Melton has been named business editor of North Carolina Magazine, the publication put out since 1943 by the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry. Also, Mike Stobbe, formerly health reporter at the Charlotte Observer now covering that beat for Associated Press.

Welcome to the broadcast Gordon Deal, 609-520-4000, who slides behind the mike at Wall Street Journal's radio shows This Morning and This Weekend.

Inc. has a new editor, Jane Berentson, 212-499-200.

By the way, Yahoo! has upgraded its media lists with a new regional subdirectory. This makes it easier to find publications on a state-by-state, metro and city basis. For example, here's the North Carolina subdirectory.

Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Focus Four, Levolor, New World Mortgage, North Carolina Tourism, TeamHeidi, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX, Verbatim and Wicked Choppers.

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