Imagine having a tool that instantly connects you to thought leaders, industry professionals, and authoritative voices, streamlining your research process and delivering expert commentary straight to your inbox.
Whether you’re chasing a breaking story or crafting an in-depth investigative piece, journalist request platforms are the unsung heroes that transform how media professionals work.
In this article, we explore the nine best platforms that can revolutionise your link building and digital PR strategy, giving you the edge in today’s competitive media landscape.
1. ResponseSource
ResponseSource is one of the most widely used journalist request platforms in the UK with over 30,000 journalists actively using it. It connects journalists with PR professionals, businesses, and industry experts across a wide array of fields.
Established in 1998, ResponseSource is a go-to platform for media professionals who need access to authoritative voices quickly and efficiently.
✅ Quick responses: Due to the large user base, you can often receive responses within minutes of posting your query.
✅ Highly targeted responses: You can specify the type of information you need and the industry you’re focusing on, ensuring that the responses you receive are relevant and precise.
❌ PR-heavy replies: Some journalists have reported that the responses can sometimes lean towards PR-driven material, which may not always align with the journalistic tone you’re aiming for.
ResponseSource operates on a tiered pricing model. While it may be more affordable for freelancers, the full suite of services is generally tailored towards media organisations.
2. Source of Sources
Source of Sources is a unique platform that aggregates requests from various journalist query platforms, acting as a central hub where you can post queries and receive responses from multiple networks. This eliminates the need for signing up to several platforms and managing multiple accounts, streamlining the research process.
✅ Efficient workflow: By combining different sources into one platform, Source of Sources saves you time and effort.
✅ Wider reach: You get access to a broad range of experts across multiple platforms, increasing your chances of finding the right source.
❌ Smaller user base: As a newer platform, Source of Sources may not yet have the same level of visibility or user base as more established platforms like ResponseSource.
Pricing models for Source of Sources vary depending on the level of access you require, but its aggregator model could save you the cost of signing up for multiple services individually.
3. Featured
Featured is designed for journalists seeking expert commentary from influential figures and thought leaders. With a focus on exclusivity, this platform connects media professionals with high-profile sources across a variety of industries.
It’s especially useful if you’re working on opinion pieces, interviews, or in-depth features where quality, rather than quantity, of responses is paramount.
✅ High-quality responses: Featured connects you with top-tier professionals, ensuring that the insights you receive are authoritative and well-regarded in their fields.
✅ Exclusive access: You have the opportunity to receive comments from industry leaders and specialists, which can significantly boost the credibility of your article.
❌ Fewer responses: Due to the exclusivity of the platform, you may receive fewer responses, especially if your query targets a niche area.
As a premium service, Featured operates on a subscription model tailored to media outlets and journalists seeking high-quality responses.
4. Qwoted
Qwoted is one of the fastest-growing journalist request platforms with over 40,000 verified sources and journalists using the platform. It focuses on delivering high-quality, vetted sources for journalists covering sectors like finance, technology, law, and healthcare. Launched in 2019, Qwoted quickly gained a reputation for its ability to connect journalists with credible professionals and thought leaders.
✅ Vetted experts: Qwoted carefully vets the sources on its platform, ensuring that you’re receiving reliable information from qualified individuals.
✅ Fast turnaround: With many responses arriving within minutes, Qwoted is ideal for journalists on tight deadlines.
❌ Industry-specific: While Qwoted excels in fields like finance and law, it may not be as useful for journalists covering lifestyle, entertainment, or arts.
Qwoted offers both free and premium services, with the premium version providing enhanced features such as more extensive filtering options and tracking tools.
5. Synapse
Synapse is an easy-to-use platform that focuses on delivering quick, reliable responses from experts. Its user interface is simple and minimalist, which makes it particularly appealing to journalists who don’t want to spend too much time managing their queries. Synapse allows you to post requests and get expert responses quickly, making it ideal for journalists working on multiple stories at once.
✅ User-friendly: The platform is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward process for posting queries and receiving responses.
✅ Quick responses: Similar to Qwoted, Synapse is known for its ability to deliver rapid responses from experts.
❌ Basic features: While Synapse excels in simplicity, it lacks some of the advanced tools and filters that larger platforms offer.
Synapse operates on a subscription basis, with tiered pricing depending on your access requirements.
6. Help a B2B Writer
Help a B2B Writer is a niche platform aimed specifically at journalists and writers focused on business-to-business (B2B) content. It provides an efficient way to connect with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are willing to share their expertise on B2B topics.
✅ Industry-specific: If your content focuses on B2B topics, this platform can provide you with targeted, relevant responses from professionals in the industry.
✅ No clutter: The platform is built exclusively for B2B content, meaning you won’t have to sift through irrelevant responses from other sectors.
❌ Limited scope: Since it’s focused solely on B2B content, it won’t be useful for journalists writing about lifestyle, health, or entertainment.
Help a B2B Writer is reasonably priced, with options suitable for both freelance writers and larger media organisations.
7. SourceBottle
SourceBottle is a globally recognised platform that connects journalists with sources from various industries, particularly excelling in lifestyle, health, and consumer goods sectors. It’s ideal for journalists looking for human interest stories or expert commentary on practical topics.
✅ Global reach: SourceBottle operates internationally, making it a great option for journalists who need responses from experts outside their local region.
✅ Free to use: Journalists can use the platform at no cost, which is ideal for freelancers or smaller media outlets.
❌ Overwhelming responses: Some users report receiving too many replies, some of which may not be directly relevant to their request.
SourceBottle is free for journalists, but businesses pay a fee to respond to queries.
8. Journalism.co.uk
Journalism.co.uk is one of the UK’s most trusted media websites, offering resources such as job listings, media training, and a journalist request service. The ‘Get Enquiries from Journalists’ platform connects journalists with professionals in various industries, helping to provide expert commentary, case studies, and product reviews.
✅ Established reputation: Journalism.co.uk has been around for decades and is trusted by journalists across the UK.
✅ Diverse responses: You’ll receive responses from a wide variety of industries, ensuring you get well-rounded insights for your stories.
❌ UK-centric: While it’s an excellent platform for UK-based journalists, it may not be as effective for those seeking international sources.
The service is free for journalists to post requests.
9. Connectively
Connectively is a newer journalist request platform that focuses on building meaningful connections between journalists and experts. The platform fosters a collaborative community, encouraging experts to engage with journalists in a meaningful way, rather than simply pitching their services.
✅ Community-driven: Connectively emphasises long-term relationships, making it a great platform if you’re looking to build a network of reliable sources.
✅ Simple interface: Like Synapse, Connectively offers a user-friendly experience that makes posting and managing queries straightforward.
❌ Small user base: Since it’s a newer platform, Connectively may not yet have the reach or visibility of its competitors.
Connectively operates on a subscription model with tiered pricing options.
Related read: What Is HARO Link Building?
There’s a platform for every type of journalist
When it comes to sourcing expert commentary, journalist request platforms are an invaluable resource. Each of the nine platforms reviewed offers unique benefits, whether you’re looking for fast responses, highly targeted expertise, or access to top-tier thought leaders.
From the trusted and established ResponseSource to niche options like Help a B2B Writer, there’s a platform suited to every type of journalist. By selecting the right platform for your needs, you can simplify your workflow and ensure your stories are backed by credible, authoritative sources.
