Featured.com Acquires Help A Reporter Out (HARO)
In an exciting move for the journalism landscape, Featured.com has recently acquired Help A Reporter Out (HARO) from Cision, which previously owned the widely-respected service since its establishment in 2014. This acquisition signifies a strategic commitment to enhance the connections between journalists seeking expert insights and the professionals ready to share their knowledge.
Founded in 2008, HARO quickly became essential for journalists, enabling them to connect with credible sources. As journalism faces challenges posed by an increase in AI-generated content, the revival of HARO under Featured.com aims to re-establish human expertise as a key resource for media professionals.
Commitment to Quality Journalism
"This is the perfect time to bring HARO back," said Brett Farmiloe, Founder and CEO of Featured.com. According to Farmiloe, there is a growing necessity for authentic sources amidst a flood of generic content available online. The company intends to revive HARO’s original purpose, modernize it for current needs, and ensure it remains a vital tool for today's journalists.
Under its fresh management, HARO will continue to be free for both journalists and sources. The platform will be sustained through advertising revenue from its newsletters, ensuring its accessibility for all users. Queries submitted by reporters will be matched with relevant expert responses efficiently, streamlining the process for journalists on tight deadlines.
Reviving HARO
One of the core features being reintroduced is the daily email delivery of opportunities, providing journalists with quick access to expert insights direct to their inbox. The service will not only help reporters discover new sources but also facilitate a more vibrant dialogue between industry leaders and the media. Those interested in early access can do so via HARO's dedicated site.
Community and Expert Connections
Farmiloe expressed excitement about building upon HARO’s legacy, stating, "We're thrilled to make it easy for journalists to include credible, diverse voices in their stories." This marks a significant step forward in promoting community-driven journalism that emphasizes collaboration and genuine insights.
Featured.com isn't just revitalizing HARO; it's reaffirming its mission to democratize knowledge by making it more accessible to media professionals. Investors, including Great North Ventures, support this initiative, recognizing the importance of community-oriented platforms that encourage trust and collaboration among experts and content creators.
Investment in the Future
Rob Weber, Managing Partner at Great North Ventures, commented on the investment's philosophy, highlighting the firm's commitment to community-driven solutions that enhance trusted connections. This reflects a growing trend recognizing the value of authentic voices in storytelling.
As Featured.com continues to expand its operations, the emphasis on both its platform and HARO is built upon the foundational belief that "everyone's an expert at something." This ethos cultivates an environment where diverse expertise can be shared and recognized in meaningful ways.
About Featured.com
Featured.com stands as a premier knowledge-sharing platform. Its mission connects subject-matter experts with leading publishers to create high-quality, ready-to-publish content. Featuring a vast community of over 50,000 experts and more than 1 million answers submitted, Featured powers articles across a network of 2,500+ media outlets. By facilitating access to expert knowledge, Featured helps unlock the immense potential of human expertise one answer at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recent acquisition by Featured.com?
Featured.com has acquired Help A Reporter Out (HARO) from Cision to strengthen connections between journalists and experts.
2. How does HARO benefit journalists?
HARO allows journalists to connect with credible sources quickly, providing them with expert insights for their reporting.
3. Will HARO remain free for users?
Yes, HARO will continue to be free for both journalists and sources, supported by newsletter advertising.
4. What changes can users expect with HARO’s revival?
The revival will include daily email opportunities for reporters, making it easier to find relevant expert responses.
5. How is Featured.com promoting community-driven journalism?
Featured.com aims to enhance journalism by nurturing credible, diverse voices, connecting them seamlessly with media professionals.
