Name: Alicia Dean

Title: Reporter

Outlet: KNSD-TV (NBC San Diego)

Phone: 619-578-0372

E-mail: alicia.dean@nbcuni.com

Twitter: alicia739

Facebook: Alicia Dean

LinkedIn: Alicia Dean

What kinds of stories or interviews are you looking for?

Medical Science/Research, Military, Social/Community activism (neighbors helping neighbors).

What are some top trends you’re seeing within your industry beat? What do you predict for 2010?

I think you will see social networking weaved into the newsgathering process a lot more.  Twitter and Facebook have proven to be powerful tools for connecting with audiences quickly.

Do you use social networking professionally or personally? How do you feel about being contacted by PR pros with an idea through your social networks?

I use social networking both personally and professionally.  I only like receiving pitches via my social networks from PR pros that I have an established relationship with. Cold pitches are a no-no.

What recommendations do you have for PR professionals? What do you like and what turns you off?

The best PR pros are the ones who are clear and succinct with their pitches, are easy to get in touch with 24/7, avoid calling during crunch time unless it is absolutely necessary, and deliver on what they promise.   Know as much as you can about the news organization you are contacting. Know who does what that goes a long way.  Finally, if you are pitching a story to multiple people in the same organization, be sure to mention that so that people don’t wind up stepping on each other’s toes.

What do you predict is the future of news distribution and consumption?

News will be come much more mobile and customizable in the future.  Mobile devices will play a much greater role as broadcasters shift focus from driving people towards traditional newscasts to delivering news and information to customers anytime, anywhere.

Media Pulse profiles are compiled by editor Denise Scatena. If you’d like to nominate a colleague for feature consideration, please drop her a line.