Associated Press Contacts

Have a story that might be of interest to the Associated Press?  Here are the people to contact in our area and a couple of tips on reaching the right person.

ST. LOUIS - 900 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63101
Bureau 314-241-2496  From 314 area 800-559-2496  Cell 314-369-4280
Correspondent:  Jim Salter jsalter@AP.org

METRO EAST - Office in Carbondale, IL
Bureau 618-529-2528
Correspondent:  Susan Luke sluke@AP.org

KANSAS CITY 215 W. Pershing Rd., Suite 221, Kansas City, MO 64108
Bureau 816-421-4844 Fax 816-421-3590
News Editor:  Jim Clarke jclarke@AP.org

JEFFERSON CITY P.O. Box 272, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Bureau 573-636-9415 or 6732 Fax
Correspondent:  David Lieb

COLUMBIA P.O. Box 7566, Columbia, MO 65205
Bureau 573-875-8131 Fax 573-875-8562
Roving reporter:  Scott Charton scharton@AP.org

NOTE:  Most stories used by the Associated Press come from member newspapers (90) or radio/TV stations (200).  Area editors do NOT want local-only stories.  They DO look for stories that are:
    1) Statewide
    2) Regional
    3) National
    4) Show a trend or
    5) Are funny (animal stories pick up the best)

PITCHING -
    1) Go to the right editor.  If your firm or client is based in St. Louis and is conducting a tour in Spokane, Wash., go to the St. Louis editor first.  He/she will alert Spokane.
    2) Cover the five W's and the H in your pitch - phone call first or e-mail - and be sure to include your name and phone or a contact's.
    3) If you do feel like you need to send a release to special editors - local and (i.e.,) an agricultural specialist, etc., make sure they ALL see whom you are sending the pitch to.
    4) Watch deadlines when pitching.  AP has a noon report and early evening.  Best time to call is after these deadlines.