Cision Sells Help A Reporter Out (HARO) to Featured.com
Cision, a prominent player in the realm of media intelligence and communication solutions, has recently unveiled its decision to sell the Help A Reporter Out (HARO) platform to Featured.com. This announcement, made on April 15, 2025, marks a significant shift for Cision as it seeks to sharpen its focus on its core product suite.
Originally launched in 2008, HARO was designed to bridge the gap between journalists and knowledgeable sources. In 2014, Cision acquired the platform through its merger with Vocus. However, as the digital landscape has evolved, Cision has opted to divest this asset, signaling a strategic pivot towards enhancing its flagship offerings: CisionOne, Brandwatch, and PR Newswire (PRN).
In light of this sale, Jim Daxner, Chief Product Officer and Head of Strategy at Cision, stated, "Cision confirms that it no longer offers the Help A Reporter Out or Connectively services as part of its product suite. We are focused on advancing our core platforms — CisionOne, Brandwatch, and PRN, which are critical to delivering powerful, integrated communications solutions for our customers."
Notably, HARO was rebranded to Connectively in 2024 prior to its discontinuation, and the transition to Featured.com represents a strategic alignment of interests. Featured.com has been identified as a suitable partner for managing the platform moving forward, as it seeks to maintain the services HARO provided to journalists and experts alike.
This sale facilitates Cision's efforts to concentrate its manpower and innovation on core technology platforms. With CisionOne emerging as a cutting-edge media intelligence solution, Brandwatch spearheading consumer intelligence and social media management, and PR Newswire maintaining its status as the world’s most extensive press release distribution network, Cision aims to empower communications professionals. This move reflects Cision's commitment to delivering solutions that enable users to effectively manage and evaluate media impact.
In essence, this strategic sale allows Cision to focus on enhancing its core competencies and exploring new innovations within its existing product range. By redirecting its resources, Cision is more equipped than ever to meet the evolving needs of public relations and communications professionals around the globe.
For more information regarding Cision’s solutions and offerings, visit
www.cision.com.
About Cision
Cision is recognized as a global leader in consumer and media intelligence, engagement, and communication solutions. The company's suite of tools is geared towards PR and corporate communications, marketing, and social media experts, enabling them to thrive in today’s data-driven environment. Cision’s profound industry expertise, exclusive data partnerships, and award-winning products—including CisionOne, Brandwatch, and PR Newswire—have empowered over 75,000 clients, including 84% of the Fortune 500, to effectively connect with their target audiences.
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