Are you interested in things that are ‘hard, fast, and shiny?” If spaceships and supercars are your thing, you might think about pitching to Popular Science. This mag is freelancer-friendly (75 percent of its content is written by freelancers!) and is always looking for news from around the corner. After all, their motto is, “the future now.”

“The one central tenet of our magazine is that it’s a really relentlessly optimistic magazine,” said editor-in-chief Jacob Ward. “We believe that technology and science are gonna make the future better than it is today.” So, if you’ve got a scoop on the next innovation that will save us from the apocalypse, better pitch it before anyone else does.

Read more in How To Pitch: Popular Science. [Mediabistro AvantGuild subscription required]

Here’s a look at what FishbowlNY stories made the most buzz this week.

1. Fallout from ESPN-FM Deal: Syndicated Tom Joyner (left) and Michael Baisden Fight Back Without KISS, New York Outlet, May 1
2. New York Wins ASME ‘Best Cover’ of 2011 Award, May 3
3. Time Inc. Experiences a Rough First Quarter, May 2
4. Sports Illustrated Dedicates Issue to Title IX, May 2
5. Jacob Ward Promoted to EIC of Popular Science, May 1
6. New York Daily News Hires Web Editor, May 2

Keep up-to-date with the latest FishbowlNY news. Click here to sign-up for the FishbowlNY daily newsletter, bringing you our articles each afternoon directly to your inbox.

Mark Jannot has been named Chief Content Officer at Reader’s Digest North America, a new position at the company. Jannot comes to Reader’s Digest from Bonnier, where he was Editorial Director of Popular Science, Popular Photography, American Photo, and Sound & Vision. Jannot was succeed at Bonnier by Jacob Ward.

At Reader’s Digest, Jannot will be responsible for content across the varied platforms for Taste of Home, The Family Handyman and the company’s “U.S. Enthusiast” brands, including Birds & Blooms, Country, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch Living, and Reminisce.

“Mark Jannot has a reputation for editorial excellence,” said Dan Lagani, President of Reader’s Digest North America. “His experience in the digital and magazine spaces makes him an ideal candidate to speed the brand transformation underway with our Milwaukee businesses, where we are focused on creating a great consumer experience for our Taste of Home, The Family Handyman and Enthusiast brands across media platforms.”

Jacob Ward has been promoted from West Coast Bureau Chief to Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science. Ward had been the bureau chief since 2010, but has been with the magazine since 2006. Ward succeeds Editorial Director Mark Jannot, who joined RDA Milwaukee, a subdivision of Readers’ Digest Association.

“Jake Ward is the perfect choice to lead Popular Science into the future,” said Bonnier Technology Group Vice President and Group Publisher, Steven Grune. “During his time with the magazine, he has elevated the brand’s stature in the consumer and advertising marketplace, and he embodies the technology savvy qualities that our audience values. Jake is ‘The Future Now’ and will successfully move the brand into the next generation.”

Ward will now split his time between the New York and San Francisco offices of Popular Science.