Cision, a prominent player in media intelligence and communications solutions, has officially sold its renowned Help A Reporter Out (HARO) platform to Featured.com. Initially launched in 2008, HARO established itself as a valuable resource connecting journalists with expert sources, making it a fixture in the public relations landscape. This divestment marks a strategic shift for Cision as it refocuses its efforts on enhancing its core offerings like CisionOne, Brandwatch, and PR Newswire.
The sale was announced on April 15, 2025, as Cision seeks to streamline its product suite and concentrate on what it considers to be its key communication tools. "Cision confirms that it no longer offers the Help A Reporter Out or Connectively services as part of its product suite," said Jim Daxner, Chief Product Officer & Head of Strategy at Cision. "We are focused on advancing our core platforms, which are critical to delivering powerful, integrated communications solutions for our customers."
For small business owners, this transaction presents an opportunity to explore new avenues in media engagement. HARO has been a trusted resource for businesses looking to gain exposure by providing expert insights to journalists. While the platform is transitioning under Featured.com, its historical value as a bridge between businesses and the media will likely continue. Companies that previously utilized HARO can expect to see changes, but they can also anticipate potential improvements as Featured.com implements its vision for the platform.
The sale also streamlines Cision’s operations. By divesting HARO, Cision can direct its resources toward developing its integrated communications solutions, maintaining leadership within the PR technology arena. With CisionOne offering advanced media intelligence, Brandwatch focusing on consumer behavior insights, and PR Newswire as a major press release distribution network, Cision remains committed to helping businesses leverage their media impact.
In the realm of practical applications, small business owners may find new benefits in this reshaped landscape. With a robust connection to media becoming even more critical, using platforms like HARO—under its new ownership—could enhance visibility and credibility. Businesses that provide insightful commentary or specialized knowledge may leverage HARO to connect with journalists seeking expert sources.
However, potential challenges also loom on the horizon. As Featured.com steps in, there may be uncertainties surrounding the continuity of services and how existing HARO users will adapt to changes. Business owners who have relied on HARO to secure media placements might need to stay alert to alterations in the platform’s functionality and pricing structure.
Additionally, companies should consider that while HARO has served as a valuable tool, the effectiveness of such platforms can vary over time based on the business environment and the ways in which media practices evolve. Administrators should be willing to diversify their approaches to media relations, adapting strategies as new developments unfold.
As the communications landscape continues to shift, partnerships with firms like Cision and now Featured.com can enhance small businesses’ strategic media efforts. "Our deep expertise, exclusive data partnerships, and award-winning products enable over 75,000 companies and organizations…to see and be seen," noted a Cision representative, emphasizing their commitment to empowering businesses through data-driven solutions.
In summary, the sale of HARO presents small business owners with both opportunities and challenges. By remaining vigilant and adaptable, they can continue to harness media relations strategies that best serve their communication goals. With Cision sharpening its focus on core methodologies and Featured.com taking the reins of HARO, the ongoing evolution of these platforms will be crucial for businesses seeking to connect with a wider audience.
To learn more about Cision’s offerings, visit their website at www.cision.com. For further details on the sale of HARO, you can access the original press release here.
Image Via Envato: YuriArcursPeopleimages
 to Featured.com, marking a significant shift in the media relations landscape. Discover what this acquisition means for journalists, PR professionals, and the future of HARO in our in-depth analysis.){kind=link}