Check out www.thebuzzfactor.com because this guy used to be the editor of an entertainment magazine and has great info on what it takes to get the attention of these guys.
... ok I'm a web editor at the local newspaper here. go ahead and send it to the editor but be aware that it will be passed off to one of the reporters or an intern to listen to and review. it could also not be listened to at all.....belive me...I see the stacks of press kits that come in. being a local band could give you a better chance though. also remember that due to the fact these people listen to cds all day...try to keep any songs on your cd or demo or presskit cd to under 4 minutes. around listening to the third cd, i could be 2 minutes into the song and think its going on forever and I've stopped listening to some cds after the first 45 seconds of the first song.
oh yeah...just to assure that you will atleast be acknowledged. drop the press kit off personally at the newspaper if you can. if it gets tossed on the stack of press kits...atleast it'll be on top.