Featured.com Revives HARO, Championing Human Expertise in Media Landscape

Featured.com has acquired Help A Reporter Out (HARO) from Cision, signaling a strategic move to reinvigorate human-driven content sourcing in the media industry. The acquisition represents a significant development for journalists, media professionals, and subject matter experts seeking authentic connections in an increasingly AI-driven content ecosystem.

The platform, originally founded in 2008, will return to its core function of facilitating direct connections between journalists and expert sources. By maintaining HARO's free model and original email-based query system, Featured.com aims to preserve the platform's fundamental value proposition while adapting to contemporary media challenges.

The timing of this acquisition is particularly noteworthy, as concerns about AI-generated content continue to grow across journalism and communication sectors. By emphasizing human expertise, Featured.com is positioning itself as a critical resource for journalists seeking credible, nuanced sources beyond algorithmic content generation.

For human resources professionals, this development represents an important opportunity to enhance professional visibility and thought leadership. Subject matter experts can leverage HARO to share insights, potentially gaining media exposure and establishing themselves as authoritative voices in their respective fields.

Brett Farmiloe, Featured.com's CEO, highlighted the platform's commitment to preserving HARO's original mission while modernizing its approach. The revival strategy includes maintaining daily email opportunities and supporting the platform through newsletter advertising, ensuring accessibility for both journalists and potential sources.

The acquisition is backed by investors like Great North Ventures, indicating market confidence in community-driven platforms that prioritize authentic human connections. By focusing on unlocking expert knowledge, Featured.com is addressing a critical need in contemporary media: sourcing diverse, credible perspectives in an information landscape increasingly saturated with synthetic content.

As media continues to evolve, HARO's revival under Featured.com represents a strategic counterpoint to AI-driven content generation, reinforcing the irreplaceable value of human expertise and nuanced professional insights.