FACTBOX: Media speakers investment picks

By Franklin Paul

NEW YORK (Reuters) - News Corp. (NWSa.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Apple Computer Inc.(AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) are among the companies that leading U.S. media executives and an analyst cited as areas to put their money in if they were looking for investments.

At the Reuters Media Summit this week, reporters asked each of them if they had money to invest in the media or technology arena, what company or sector would they pick. The executives were asked not to name their own companies.

Here is a sample of responses.

DICK COOK, CHAIRMAN, WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

"Apple and Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) I think (Apple CEO) Steve Jobs has his pulse on what the consumer wants and is able to deliver it in a manner that they want. Google has positioned themselves in a very smart way in their space and I think it gives them a variety of ways to go."

JESSICA REIF COHEN, ANALYST, MERRILL LYNCH

"Our favorite names are News Corp. and Comcast (CMCSA.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz)."

"I think Disney has a new lease on life. Bob Iger (Disney's CEO) is a surprise on the upside since he has taken over just over a year ago. (Disney has) got great brands and a rejuvenated management team so they are in great shape."  Continued...