# Inside the HARO Acquisition and the Launch of Featured

- Published: 2026-03-27
- Author: [Featured](https://press.featured.com/author/featured.md)
- Topics: [Podcasts](https://press.featured.com/podcast.md)
- Source: https://press.featured.com/podcast/brandinc-pr-inside-the-haro-acquisition/
- Publisher: Featured Press Room

## Inside the HARO Acquisition and Launch of Featured: What It Signals About the Future of Earned Media, with Brett Farmiloe on The Brandinc PR Podcast

Brett Farmiloe, founder and CEO of Featured, joined Brandi Sims on The Brandinc PR Podcast to unpack the acquisition and relaunch of HARO and what it reveals about the future of journalism, credibility and earned media, including how AI fits into the process without replacing editorial judgment.

[Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-haro-acquisition-and-launch-of-featured/id1769667431?i=1000757504766) · [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/73ScTVU59O5z96yC4iClOG)

*PUBLISHED MAR 26, 2026 · THE BRANDINC PR PODCAST · 23 MIN*

### Key Takeaways

- **HARO still plays a critical role in today's media ecosystem,** — which is why Featured gave one of the most recognizable tools in earned media a second life.
- **The acquisition signals how journalists want to work with sources:** direct, credible connections rather than volume.
- **Earned media is heading toward credibility over volume,** — and trust is the real currency in media.
- **AI fits into the process without replacing editorial judgment,** — which is what PR professionals and founders must rethink to stay relevant.

## About the Show

The Brandinc PR Podcast, hosted by Brandi Sims, shares insights and strategies from entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts. This episode was published on March 26, 2026 and runs 23 minutes. Recorded before Featured relaunched Connectively on June 2, 2026, so product details reflect the platforms at the time.

## About Featured

Featured is an AI co-pilot for public relations (PR) that helps communications professionals and subject matter experts find earned media opportunities, draft responses, and secure coverage across journalist requests, podcasts, bylined articles, speaking engagements, awards, and other PR opportunities. The company owns and operates HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and Connectively, which connect journalists and publishers with subject matter experts. Featured supports more than 100,000 users and helps publishers fill content gaps with expert insights.

## Media contact

Brett Farmiloe  
Founder & Chief Executive Officer  
Featured  
press@featured.com

Available for interviews on: AI and media relations, the HARO and Connectively platforms, generative engine optimization, PR automation.