Every Thursday, socialTNT channels the spirit of citizen journalism by putting bloggers, reporters, PR pro’s or anyone with something to say about social media in front of the camera for a short, three minute interview. In addition to helping PR peeps pitch these individuals more effectively, the videos are meant to encourage dialog between reporters, PR/communications practitioners and marketers on the future of media.

This Thursday socialTNT meets with Jon Swartz, Technology Reporter at USA Today. Over the last year, Jon has moved away from covering just security. His beat has really moved to include social networking, big firms like Yahoo and AOL, and tech from the West Coast point of view. In this week’s episode, Jon share some of the social media elements USA Today is rolling out and also tells us why he loves social networking for PR.

Jon has been covering technology since 1987. Working his way through the ranks of MacWeek, San Francisco Chronicle and Forbes, Jon now resides at USA Today. If you have a non-gadget tech client, he may be a good contact. Pitch him before 11AM PT.

Fun Facts About Jon:

• Learned the ins and outs of PR (including a blog and YouTube video) while on tour for his upcoming book with Byron Acohido, “Zero Day Threat,” discussing how banks and credit companies help hackers steal your identity
• Microsoft is to Apple what Hillary is to Obama. Discuss.
• Not on Twitter, but on LinkedIn
• Thinks Walt Mossberg could beat Ed Baig in a mud wrestling fight
• Has season tickets to SF Giants
• Starts his morning with print editions of New York Times and LA Times. Then moves into WSJ Online and GigaOm.

If you haven’t seen some of the cool things USA Today is doing with blogs and video, check it out. Watch as Jon tells us more about his beat, explains how social networking has changed the PR pitch and then completely HIJACKS my interview!

Have you included social networking into your outreach? Do your spokespeople include their facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or IM when speaking with reporters? Should they?

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This Thursday, socialTNT meets with Adrienne Sanders, Reporter, from the San Francisco Business Times. Adrienne covers Tech, Interactive Media and Entertainment. Even though her beat is localized to the San Francisco Bay Area what she has to say rings true nationwide. In today’s “3Q’s in 3 Min,” she tells us why digital is finally catching on; keys to good outreach in the new media age; and her idea of online personal space.

While other San Francisco publications have declining circ numbers, the San Francisco Business Times has been steadily gaining numbers. That’s why if you have an Internet company of any kind–Widget and startups included–Adrienne is a great addition to your media list. She’s also friendly (read: honest) and very well acquainted with current Tech trends.

Facts about Adrienne:

• Has a one year old son
• Does have a LinkedIn page
• Currently uses Vista
• worked with Om Malik when they were both at Forbes
• Doesn’t have a lot of time for social media outside of work, but did recently make a book (of which she is proud) using Blurb.

Adrienne is right: Whether using traditional methods or social media, the best practice is to know your reporter or blogger. She also seeks to clarify the distinction between personal and private space online; something I think we will see more of as the technology evolves.

Where do you see the line between private and personal space? I’d love to know how you handle media outreach when you notice a reporter is on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.