Featured.com Revives HARO: A New Dawn for Journalistic Integrity
April 18, 2025, 4:07 pm
Location: United States, Arizona, Scottsdale
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2022
Total raised: $600K
In a world drowning in artificial intelligence and automated content, the acquisition of Help A Reporter Out (HARO) by Featured.com marks a pivotal moment for journalism. This deal, announced on April 16, 2025, is not just a business transaction; it’s a lifeline thrown to reporters seeking genuine human expertise.
HARO, founded in 2008, has long been a trusted resource for journalists. It connects them with subject-matter experts, allowing for the infusion of credible voices into news stories. After being under the umbrella of Cision since 2014, HARO’s future seemed uncertain. But now, under the stewardship of Featured.com, it is poised for a renaissance.
Featured.com, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a platform designed to bridge the gap between experts and journalists. With a community of over 50,000 experts and more than a million answers submitted, it has already made significant strides in enhancing the quality of content across more than 2,500 media outlets. The acquisition of HARO is a strategic move to expand its offerings and reinforce its mission: to unlock expert knowledge and make it accessible to the media.
Brett Farmiloe, the CEO and founder of Featured.com, emphasizes the urgency of this revival. In an era where AI-generated content floods the internet, the need for authentic, human voices is more critical than ever. Journalists are bombarded with generic information, making it increasingly difficult to find credible sources. HARO’s return aims to cut through the noise, providing reporters with direct access to real experts.
The mechanics of HARO will remain familiar. It will revert to its original format, delivering daily opportunities via email. Journalists can submit queries and receive expert responses, streamlining the sourcing process. This simplicity is its strength. In a fast-paced news environment, speed and efficiency are paramount. HARO’s revival promises to enhance these aspects, making it easier for journalists to find the right voices for their stories.
The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but the backing from investors like Great North Ventures signals confidence in Featured.com’s vision. Rob Weber, Managing Partner at Great North Ventures, highlights the importance of community-driven platforms. This investment reflects a belief in fostering trusted connections between experts and creators, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s media landscape.
Featured.com’s approach is not just about reviving a tool; it’s about reimagining how journalism can thrive in a digital age. The platform’s commitment to preserving HARO’s legacy while modernizing it for contemporary needs is a delicate balancing act. It acknowledges the challenges posed by AI while reinforcing the value of human expertise.
As HARO re-emerges, it will remain free for both journalists and sources, supported by newsletter advertisements. This model ensures that the platform remains accessible, democratizing the flow of information. In a time when many platforms are shifting towards paywalls and subscription models, HARO’s free access is a refreshing change. It aligns with the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute, echoing the mantra that “everyone’s an expert at something.”
The implications of this acquisition extend beyond just the mechanics of sourcing information. It speaks to a broader trend in journalism: the need for authenticity. As readers become more discerning, the demand for credible, diverse voices grows. Journalists are not just storytellers; they are curators of truth. The revival of HARO is a step towards ensuring that these curators have the tools they need to tell their stories effectively.
Moreover, this acquisition highlights a growing recognition of the importance of expert knowledge in media. In an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire, having access to credible sources is not just beneficial; it’s essential. HARO’s revival is a response to this need, reinforcing the idea that journalism should be rooted in facts and expertise.
The future of HARO under Featured.com is bright. The platform is set to evolve while staying true to its core mission. By connecting journalists with experts, it aims to enrich the storytelling process, ensuring that narratives are grounded in reality. This is not just about content creation; it’s about fostering a culture of informed dialogue.
In conclusion, the acquisition of HARO by Featured.com is a significant development in the media landscape. It signals a commitment to quality journalism in an era dominated by AI and automated content. As HARO rises from the ashes, it brings with it the promise of authentic voices and credible expertise. This revival is not just a win for journalists; it’s a win for the integrity of the media itself. In a world where the truth often feels elusive, HARO’s return is a beacon of hope, reminding us that real expertise still matters.
HARO, founded in 2008, has long been a trusted resource for journalists. It connects them with subject-matter experts, allowing for the infusion of credible voices into news stories. After being under the umbrella of Cision since 2014, HARO’s future seemed uncertain. But now, under the stewardship of Featured.com, it is poised for a renaissance.
Featured.com, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a platform designed to bridge the gap between experts and journalists. With a community of over 50,000 experts and more than a million answers submitted, it has already made significant strides in enhancing the quality of content across more than 2,500 media outlets. The acquisition of HARO is a strategic move to expand its offerings and reinforce its mission: to unlock expert knowledge and make it accessible to the media.
Brett Farmiloe, the CEO and founder of Featured.com, emphasizes the urgency of this revival. In an era where AI-generated content floods the internet, the need for authentic, human voices is more critical than ever. Journalists are bombarded with generic information, making it increasingly difficult to find credible sources. HARO’s return aims to cut through the noise, providing reporters with direct access to real experts.
The mechanics of HARO will remain familiar. It will revert to its original format, delivering daily opportunities via email. Journalists can submit queries and receive expert responses, streamlining the sourcing process. This simplicity is its strength. In a fast-paced news environment, speed and efficiency are paramount. HARO’s revival promises to enhance these aspects, making it easier for journalists to find the right voices for their stories.
The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but the backing from investors like Great North Ventures signals confidence in Featured.com’s vision. Rob Weber, Managing Partner at Great North Ventures, highlights the importance of community-driven platforms. This investment reflects a belief in fostering trusted connections between experts and creators, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s media landscape.
Featured.com’s approach is not just about reviving a tool; it’s about reimagining how journalism can thrive in a digital age. The platform’s commitment to preserving HARO’s legacy while modernizing it for contemporary needs is a delicate balancing act. It acknowledges the challenges posed by AI while reinforcing the value of human expertise.
As HARO re-emerges, it will remain free for both journalists and sources, supported by newsletter advertisements. This model ensures that the platform remains accessible, democratizing the flow of information. In a time when many platforms are shifting towards paywalls and subscription models, HARO’s free access is a refreshing change. It aligns with the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute, echoing the mantra that “everyone’s an expert at something.”
The implications of this acquisition extend beyond just the mechanics of sourcing information. It speaks to a broader trend in journalism: the need for authenticity. As readers become more discerning, the demand for credible, diverse voices grows. Journalists are not just storytellers; they are curators of truth. The revival of HARO is a step towards ensuring that these curators have the tools they need to tell their stories effectively.
Moreover, this acquisition highlights a growing recognition of the importance of expert knowledge in media. In an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire, having access to credible sources is not just beneficial; it’s essential. HARO’s revival is a response to this need, reinforcing the idea that journalism should be rooted in facts and expertise.
The future of HARO under Featured.com is bright. The platform is set to evolve while staying true to its core mission. By connecting journalists with experts, it aims to enrich the storytelling process, ensuring that narratives are grounded in reality. This is not just about content creation; it’s about fostering a culture of informed dialogue.
In conclusion, the acquisition of HARO by Featured.com is a significant development in the media landscape. It signals a commitment to quality journalism in an era dominated by AI and automated content. As HARO rises from the ashes, it brings with it the promise of authentic voices and credible expertise. This revival is not just a win for journalists; it’s a win for the integrity of the media itself. In a world where the truth often feels elusive, HARO’s return is a beacon of hope, reminding us that real expertise still matters.