Why some reporters don't appear in search results
Understanding database coverage and limitations
While HeyJared maintains one of the most comprehensive journalist databases available, you might notice that some reporters don't appear in search results. Here's why this happens and what you can do about it.
Our database focuses on active, professional journalists with verified contact information. This ensures higher quality matches and better response rates for your pitches.
Common Reasons for Missing Reporters
1. Database Coverage Limitations
No database can include every journalist worldwide. Our coverage prioritizes:
- • Major English-language publications
- • Active tech and business journalists
- • Publications with significant readership
- • Journalists with public contact information
2. Journalist Inactivity
We regularly remove journalists who are no longer active to maintain database quality:
- • No published articles in 6+ months
- • Changed careers or publications
- • Retired from journalism
- • Moved to non-writing roles
3. Privacy and Contact Restrictions
Some journalists prefer not to be included in databases:
- • Requested removal from our database
- • No publicly available contact information
- • Work for publications with strict PR policies
- • Prefer to be contacted through specific channels only
4. Verification and Quality Control
We maintain strict quality standards for our database:
- • Email addresses must be verified and current
- • Journalists must write original content (not just aggregation)
- • Publications must meet minimum credibility standards
- • Contact information must be publicly available
Publication Types with Limited Coverage
Challenging to Track
- • Local newspapers and regional publications
- • Very niche industry publications
- • Non-English publications
- • Freelance journalists without regular beats
- • Podcasters and video-only creators
- • Publications behind paywalls
Well Covered
- • Major tech publications (TechCrunch, VentureBeat)
- • Business newspapers (WSJ, Financial Times)
- • Industry trade publications
- • Mainstream media tech reporters
- • Popular business magazines
- • Active newsletter writers
What You Can Do
1. Search Strategically
Use broader search terms and explore related topics. Sometimes journalists cover adjacent areas that might not be immediately obvious.Learn more search strategies
2. Check Multiple Publication Types
Don't limit yourself to tier-1 publications. Industry blogs, newsletters, and specialized publications often provide excellent coverage for niche stories.
3. Use Alternative Research Methods
For journalists not in our database, try LinkedIn, Twitter, or publication mastheads to find contact information. Always respect their preferred contact methods.
4. Focus on Quality Matches
Rather than trying to contact every possible journalist, focus on the high-quality matches in our database. These are more likely to respond and provide better coverage.
Suggesting New Journalists
Help Us Improve Our Database
If you know of active journalists who should be in our database, we'd love to hear from you. When suggesting additions, please provide:
- • Journalist's name and publication
- • Recent articles they've written
- • Public contact information (if available)
- • Why they'd be valuable for our users
We review all suggestions and add qualified journalists to our database regularly.
Database Updates and Improvements
We continuously work to improve our database coverage:
Regular Updates
- • Weekly addition of new journalists
- • Monthly verification of contact information
- • Quarterly review of journalist activity
- • Continuous monitoring of publication changes
Quality Improvements
- • Enhanced AI analysis of journalist interests
- • Better coverage of emerging publications
- • Improved international journalist tracking
- • More comprehensive beat categorization
Making the Most of Available Matches
While our database doesn't include every journalist, it covers the most active and accessible reporters. Learn how to maximize your success with available matches: