Featured.com, a platform that connects subject-matter experts with journalists, announced today that it has acquired Help A Reporter Out (HARO) from Cision, a global leader in media intelligence and communications solutions, which has owned HARO since 2014.
Founded in 2008, HARO became a trusted tool for journalists seeking expert sources, and for professionals looking to share their insights through earned media. Under Featured's ownership, HARO will be revived to help reporters find real human expertise in a time when AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent.
"This is the perfect time to bring HARO back," said Brett Farmiloe, Founder and CEO of Featured. "As AI floods the internet with generic content, journalists need credible, human sources more than ever. Our goal is to preserve what made HARO great, while modernizing it for today's media landscape."
HARO will remain free for journalists and sources, supported by newsletter ads, and will return to its original format of delivering daily opportunities via email. Reporters will be able to submit a query and receive relevant expert responses in return, helping them discover sources faster and more efficiently. Those interested can sign up for early access at www.helpareporter.com.
"We're excited to build on HARO's legacy and make it easy for journalists to feature credible, diverse voices in their stories," Farmiloe said.
With HARO's revival, Featured is doubling down on its mission to unlock expert knowledge and make it more accessible to the media. The acquisition is backed by a group of investors, including Great North Ventures.
"We're excited to support Featured in bringing HARO back," said Rob Weber, Managing Partner at Great North Ventures. "This investment reflects our belief in community-driven platforms that strengthen trusted connections between experts and creators."
Featured.com will continue operating independently, with both its platform and HARO's revival rooted in the belief that "everyone's an expert at something."
Deal at a glance
Acquired from Cision, which had owned HARO since 2014. Featured.com continues to operate independently.
Free for journalists and sources, supported by newsletter ads, and back to its original format of delivering daily opportunities via email.
The acquisition is backed by a group of investors, including Great North Ventures.
As AI floods the internet with generic content, journalists need credible, human sources more than ever.
HARO is live at helpareporter.com. This release is reproduced as issued on April 16, 2025; the original is available on PR Newswire.
About Featured
Featured is the AI co-pilot for PR, a platform that helps PR professionals and subject-matter experts land media placements, build brand authority, and grow AI visibility. The company owns and operates HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and Connectively as standalone products within its portfolio. Learn more at Featured.com.