HARO, the beloved platform connecting journalists with experts, is BACK.
With Featured.com’s acquisition, HARO 2.0 launches TODAY, April 22, 2025. It blends its iconic simplicity with modern enhancements.
Here’s what you need to know about its comeback and how to leverage it for PR success:
A Brief History of HARO
Founded in 2008 by Peter Shankman, Help A Reporter Out (HARO) transformed media sourcing by connecting journalists with experts through a simple Facebook group. Its daily email blasts of reporter queries grew a community of over 800,000 sources and 55,000 journalists, becoming essential for PR professionals and reporters. Acquired by Vocus, Inc. in 2010 and later integrated into Cision Inc. after a 2014 merger, HARO thrived but faced challenges with spam pitches as its user base expanded.
In 2023, Cision rebranded HARO as Connectively, launching a paid platform in April 2024 with a searchable query feed and pitch-tracking tools to curb spam. However, users criticized its complex interface and shift from HARO’s email-driven simplicity, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. On December 9, 2024, Cision discontinued Connectively, citing a focus on its core platform, CisionOne, paving the way for HARO’s next chapter.
The Big Announcement: HARO’s Acquisition & Relaunch
On April 16, 2025, Featured.com, a Scottsdale-based platform connecting experts with journalists, acquired Help A Reporter Out (HARO) from Cision. Founded in 2022, Featured serves over 50,000 experts and partners with 2,500+ media outlets, positioning it to revitalize HARO’s mission of linking journalists with trusted sources.
Featured’s leadership is enthusiastic about the acquisition. In a Buzzstream interview, Brett Farmiloe, founder and CEO, stated that this is the perfect time to bring back that helpful service. With AI flooding the online world with generic, impersonal content, journalists really need access to credible, human-sourced information more than ever to enhance their reporting. The goal here is to preserve what made that platform so valuable in the past, while also modernizing and adapting it to better suit today's media space.
Investors have also expressed their backing for this initiative. According to Rob Weber, the Managing Partner at Great North Ventures, the company is "thrilled to support Featured in reviving this platform. This investment reflects our belief in community-driven initiatives that strengthen the trusted connections between experts and content creators." These remarks underscore Featured's dedication to restoring and preserving the legacy of this valuable service.
What's to expect in HARO 2.0
HARO 2.0 launches today, bringing back its beloved platform with a modern edge. Designed to connect journalists with credible experts, the revamped HARO retains its user-friendly roots while adapting to today’s media needs.
Expect these core features:
Free Access: Journalists and sources can join at no cost, fostering diverse, high-quality connections.
Ad-Supported Model: Newsletter ads will sustain the platform, allowing brands to engage HARO’s active community.
Thrice-Daily Emails: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening query blasts deliver journalist requests directly to your inbox.
With the Featured acquisition of HARO, HARO 2.0 is ready to bring back the magic that shaped PR and journalism, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking edge.
Community Reactions to HARO’s Unexpected Comeback
The community’s response blends excitement for HARO’s return with healthy skepticism about its execution under new ownership.
SEO professionals expressed shock at the turnaround, with users noting they “didn’t see this coming” after Connectively’s failure. The sudden shift from a paid, complex platform back to HARO’s free, email-driven roots sparked optimism among fans. One user hailed it as “awesome news,” eager for the return of thrice-daily query emails that made HARO a go-to for backlinks and media exposure.
However, not all reactions were celebratory. Skeptics questioned whether HARO 2.0 could overcome past pitfalls like spam pitches and low response rates, with one user asking, “Can they fix what Connectively broke?”
Others wondered if HARO’s model remains relevant in a market where platforms like Qwoted have gained traction but lack HARO’s reach.
Despite these doubts, the community’s curiosity is palpable. The unexpected revival has reignited hope that HARO can reclaim its status as a PR powerhouse, but its success will hinge on addressing user concerns and delivering on its promise of simplicity and quality connections.
Building a Strategy Around HARO as Part of Your PR Toolkit
It’s time to get strategic. HARO is back as a free, email-driven platform that connects journalists with experts. It can be a cornerstone of your PR plan, working hand-in-hand with other outreach tricks. The user’s knack for landing high-value backlinks shows just how powerful HARO can be.
Here’s how to maximize its potential:
Review Emails Daily
Dedicate 15–30 minutes to scan HARO’s Morning, Afternoon, and Evening query emails for relevant opportunities.
Target Top Outlets
Prioritize queries from high-profile publications like Forbes or TechCrunch to secure SEO-boosting backlinks and credibility.
Amplify Your Coverage
Share features on social media and add them to an “As Seen In” website section, crediting journalists to build ongoing relationships.
Combine with Other Platforms
Pair HARO with tools like Qwoted or direct journalist pitches to expand your outreach.
Polish Your Online Presence
Update your LinkedIn, website, or blog to reflect your expertise, as journalists often research sources online.
Leverage AI Insights
Use platforms like PressPulse to identify media opportunities aligned with your niche and optimize your HARO profile.
As HARO is back, those who play it smart will lock in high-impact coverage, build journalist connections, and take their brand to the next level in a crowded media world.
