#MediaMonday – Natasha Beal
Today, we share a little about Natasha Beal, owner of Deer Valley Times, North Tatum Times and North 32nd News.
So Natasha, tell us a little about yourself!
How did you get into publishing?
When I was in college I thought that I wanted to be a copy editor. That dream eventually faded and I got into sales. Years later it all came full circle when a good friend was selling her newspaper, the Deer Valley Times. I purchased it from her in January 2017. Over time, my confidence grew, and I saw the potential in expanding to other underserved communities. Since that time, I have started the North Tatum Times, North 32nd News, and am currently working on my fourth paper which launches this September.
Tell us about each outlet?
Each paper focuses on hyperlocal news for the community it serves. Between the three newspapers, we currently direct mail to more than 75,000 homes and businesses each month. We publish city news, of course, as well as movie releases/reviews, fun events calendars, updates from the local school districts, and even features on local business owners in a section called “Hi, My Name Is”.
As for distribution:
The Deer Valley Times reaches the Deer Valley and Norterra areas (85027 & 85085)
The North Tatum Times reaches the Desert Ridge area (85050, 85054 and 85024)
The North 32nd News reaches the 32nd St and Shea bubble (85028 & 85032)
Where did you grow up?
I moved around the country quite a bit growing up but have been in Arizona for the last 22 years. You can’t beat the sunshine and easy access to lakes/mountains/gorgeous desert that we have here.
Favorite type of music?
This is one question I can never answer easily – it definitely depends on my mood. I steadily rotate between classic rock, EDM and chill indie music. I couldn’t live without Spotify.
Favorite color?
Any shade of green
Favorite local haunts?
For fun: AZ On The Rocks – I’m an avid climber and spend as much of my free time there as possible.
For food: High and Rye, newly opened on High Street. They serve comfort food at its finest. The fried chicken, biscuits, Brussel sprouts, etc. are all to die for.
Favorite place to visit?
I can’t get enough of the forest – Flagstaff, Washington, the Redwood Forest…wherever there are lots of trees and fresh air, I’m a happy girl.
Favorite food?
Breakfast food – any time of day or night.
Least favorite food?
Blue cheese. Yuck.
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
- I have a 10 yr. old son, and 15 yr. old stepson.
- I hate heights – which wouldn’t be unusual if you didn’t know I was a climber.
- I’m obsessed with the Podcast “My Favorite Murder.”
What should people be pitching you?
Local news articles or features on businesses within the areas that we serve in North Phoenix.
What is the lead time you need for online, print?
My deadline is the 15th of each month prior.
Contact email:
