#JournoRequest is a hashtag journalists use on X (Twitter) to find expert sources for stories they’re writing. By monitoring this hashtag and responding quickly with relevant expertise, businesses can earn free media coverage in publications from local newspapers to national outlets. Response time is critical—most journalists select sources within 2-4 hours of posting. Consistent monitoring yields 1-3 coverage opportunities monthly for most businesses.

Most small businesses think PR requires expensive agencies or existing media connections. It doesn’t. Every day, journalists publicly ask for experts on X using #JournoRequest, and most requests go unanswered or receive poor responses. If you can provide genuine expertise and respond quickly, you can earn the same coverage that PR agencies charge thousands to arrange. Here’s exactly how the system works and how to use it effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct journalist access: #JournoRequest bypasses traditional PR gatekeepers—journalists directly request sources publicly
  • Speed matters most: 80% of journalists select sources within 4 hours of posting; monitor continuously or automate alerts
  • Expertise over pitch: Journalists want usable quotes and genuine knowledge, not sales pitches or company promotion
  • Consistency wins: Regular monitoring and response yields 1-3 coverage opportunities per month for most businesses
  • Free tool stack: Twitter/X search, TweetDeck, Google Alerts, and response templates cost nothing

What Is #JournoRequest and How Does It Work?

#JournoRequest is a hashtag used primarily on X (formerly Twitter) where journalists publicly request expert sources, case studies, and comments for articles they’re currently writing. It connects journalists needing sources with experts willing to provide information.

The system emerged organically as journalists struggled to find sources quickly for deadline-driven stories. Rather than cold-emailing potential experts and waiting for responses, journalists post their needs publicly, and suitable experts respond directly. The public nature creates accountability—journalists use it because it works; experts monitor it because opportunities are real.

A typical #JournoRequest post includes the journalist’s outlet, story topic, deadline, and what type of source they need. “Looking for a personal trainer who’s worked with clients over 50 for a piece on fitness after menopause. Deadline: Thursday 3pm. DM or reply.” That’s the format—direct, specific, time-bound.

The hashtag is most active among UK journalists but has global participation. Related hashtags include #PRRequest, #JournoHelp, and #MediaRequest, though #JournoRequest remains the most consistently used. Monitoring all four captures maximum opportunities.

  • Platform: Primarily X (Twitter), some LinkedIn and Threads usage
  • Users: Journalists, editors, producers seeking sources
  • Content: Story topic, outlet name, deadline, source requirements
  • Related hashtags: #PRRequest, #JournoHelp, #MediaRequest

Why Do Journalists Use #JournoRequest Instead of PR Agencies?

Journalists use #JournoRequest because it’s faster, produces more diverse sources, and often yields better quotes than PR agency pitches. The system serves journalist needs directly rather than filtering through intermediaries with commercial agendas.

PR agencies send journalists dozens of irrelevant pitches daily. Filtering through these to find a suitable source for a specific story is time-consuming. #JournoRequest inverts the process—the journalist states exactly what they need, and only relevant experts respond. The journalist controls the process rather than reacting to incoming pitches.

Source diversity improves because #JournoRequest reaches experts who don’t have PR representation. A freelance nutritionist, small gym owner, or independent consultant can respond directly without agency mediation. This produces more varied perspectives than relying solely on PR-represented sources.

Response quality often improves because people responding are self-selected as genuinely knowledgeable about the topic. PR agencies sometimes stretch client relevance to fit requests; direct experts tend to respond only when they can genuinely contribute.

  • Speed: Direct responses vs. agency back-and-forth
  • Relevance: Journalists specify exact needs; experts self-select
  • Diversity: Reaches non-PR-represented experts
  • Quality: Self-selected expertise over stretched relevance

How Do You Monitor #JournoRequest Effectively?

Monitor #JournoRequest effectively using a combination of real-time alerts, scheduled search checks, and filtering for your expertise areas. Speed is critical—most journalists select sources within 2-4 hours, so delayed monitoring misses opportunities.

TweetDeck (now X Pro) allows you to create persistent columns monitoring specific hashtags. Set up columns for #JournoRequest, #PRRequest, and keyword combinations relevant to your expertise (“looking for + [your industry]”). Keep TweetDeck open during work hours and check it every 30-60 minutes.

For mobile monitoring, use X’s native search with notifications enabled for specific terms. Search “#JournoRequest [your industry keyword]” and save the search. This surfaces relevant requests in your notifications feed, though not instantaneously.

Third-party tools like ResponseSource and Qwoted aggregate journalist requests across platforms, including some that don’t use public hashtags. These have subscription costs but capture requests beyond just Twitter hashtag monitoring.

  • Free tools: TweetDeck/X Pro columns, saved searches, Google Alerts
  • Paid tools: ResponseSource (UK), Qwoted, HARO
  • Check frequency: Every 30-60 minutes during business hours
  • Response window: Target under 2 hours for best results

How Should You Respond to a #JournoRequest?

Respond to a #JournoRequest with a brief, specific reply demonstrating your relevant expertise and availability. Include enough information for the journalist to assess your suitability without making them dig through a lengthy message.

Structure your response: (1) Brief credential establishing relevance—”I’m a personal trainer with 8 years experience working specifically with post-menopausal women.” (2) Specific angle you can offer—”I can speak to the hormone-related muscle loss challenges and how training programmes need to adapt.” (3) Availability confirmation—”Happy to chat today or provide written quotes. DM me or email [address].”

Do not send a sales pitch. Journalists are gathering sources, not buying services. Your response should demonstrate expertise, not promote your business. If your contribution is valuable, you’ll be credited and can add a website link in your bio, but the response itself should be journalistically useful.

Follow the journalist’s specified contact method. If they ask for DMs, use DMs. If they provide an email, use email. If they say “reply to this thread,” reply publicly. Ignoring stated preferences wastes your time and theirs.

  • Element 1: Brief credential demonstrating relevance (1-2 sentences)
  • Element 2: Specific angle or insight you can offer (1-2 sentences)
  • Element 3: Clear availability and contact method
  • Total length: 3-5 sentences maximum
  • Avoid: Sales pitches, lengthy bios, irrelevant information

What Mistakes Kill Your Chances of Getting Coverage?

The most common mistakes are responding too slowly, sending generic pitches unrelated to the specific request, providing unusable quotes, and failing to follow up appropriately when selected. Each error removes you from consideration.

Slow responses are the biggest killer. A journalist posting at 10am with a 3pm deadline won’t wait for your 5pm response. They’ve likely selected a source by lunchtime. Timeliness beats perfection—a good response in 30 minutes wins over a perfect response in 4 hours.

Generic pitches signal you’re mass-responding without reading the specific request. “I’m available to discuss health and wellness topics” in response to a request about menopause-specific fitness shows you didn’t read carefully. Journalists reject generic responses immediately.

Unusable quotes create the most frustration. A journalist needs specific, quotable statements they can attribute. “We believe in holistic approaches to wellness” isn’t a quote—it’s corporate speak. “Women lose 3-5% of muscle mass per year after menopause, which is why strength training becomes critical rather than optional” is a usable quote.

  • Slow response: Most fatal error; opportunities gone within hours
  • Generic pitch: Signals you didn’t read the request carefully
  • Unusable quotes: Vague corporate language vs. specific, attributable statements
  • Over-following-up: One follow-up is fine; multiple messages are pushy
  • Salesy language: Promoting yourself instead of providing journalistic value

How Often Can You Realistically Get Coverage This Way?

Consistent monitoring and quality responses typically yield 1-3 coverage opportunities per month for most businesses with genuine expertise in their field. Results vary based on how frequently requests match your expertise and competition from other respondents.

Niche expertise produces higher success rates. A general business consultant competes with thousands; a consultant specialising in restaurant inventory systems competes with dozens. When your expertise precisely matches a specific request, selection likelihood increases dramatically.

Quality of coverage varies. You might be a brief quote in a major publication or the featured expert in a trade article. Both have value—major publication mentions build credibility; trade coverage reaches your actual target audience. Don’t exclusively pursue “big name” outlets.

Building journalist relationships multiplies opportunities. Once a journalist has used you as a reliable source, they often return for future stories without posting publicly. First contacts through #JournoRequest can become ongoing media relationships.

  • Typical results: 1-3 coverage opportunities monthly with consistent monitoring
  • Response-to-coverage rate: Approximately 10-20% of quality responses yield coverage
  • Niche advantage: Specific expertise dramatically increases success rate
  • Relationship effect: Successful sources often get repeat requests directly

What Should You Do After Getting Media Coverage?

After getting coverage, amplify it through your owned channels, thank the journalist appropriately, save the relationship for future opportunities, and document the coverage for ongoing credibility use. The coverage itself is just the beginning of its value.

Share the coverage across your social channels, email newsletter, and website. Add “As featured in [Publication]” to your website or marketing materials. Link to the article from your About page or media section. This extends the coverage’s reach and establishes credibility beyond the original publication’s audience.

Thank the journalist with a brief, non-pushy message. “Thanks for including me—I thought the piece came together really well. Happy to help with future stories.” Don’t ask for anything. Don’t pitch another story. Just express appreciation and availability.

Document the coverage systematically. Screenshot the article (in case it’s later changed or removed), note the journalist’s name and outlet, and track the topic. This documentation becomes your media kit for future PR opportunities and demonstrates credibility to potential clients or partners.

  • Amplify: Social shares, newsletter mention, website placement
  • Thank: Brief appreciation, availability for future stories
  • Document: Screenshot, outlet tracking, journalist contact details
  • Leverage: “As featured in” credibility, media page updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is #JournoRequest only for UK journalists?

#JournoRequest originated in the UK and remains most active among UK journalists, but it has international participation. US, Australian, and European journalists use it, though less consistently. For US-focused opportunities, HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is more commonly used. Monitor both for maximum coverage opportunities.

Do I need a large social media following to get selected?

No, follower count rarely matters to journalists. They’re selecting based on expertise and quote quality, not social influence. A personal trainer with 200 followers and relevant expertise will be selected over a social media influencer with 100,000 followers but no specific knowledge. Expertise and availability are what matter.

What if I don’t have media experience?

Media inexperience isn’t disqualifying. Many experts featured in media started with zero experience. Journalists often prefer real experts over media-trained spokespeople because quotes sound more authentic. If you know your subject and can express ideas clearly, you have what journalists need.

How long does the whole process take?

From responding to publication typically takes days to weeks depending on publication schedule. Daily news moves faster; magazine features take longer. Expect 3-14 days for digital publication, 4-12 weeks for print. Journalists usually communicate timelines once they’ve selected you.

Should I respond to requests outside my core expertise?

Only respond if you have genuine, relevant expertise. Stretching your relevance wastes your time and damages your credibility. If you’re a personal trainer, respond to fitness requests—not general health, nutrition, or medical topics unless you have specific credentials. Quality responses to relevant requests beat quantity of generic responses.

What if a journalist never responds to my response?

Most responses don’t get selected—that’s normal. Journalists may receive dozens of responses and can only use 2-3 sources. No response means you weren’t selected; don’t take it personally or follow up asking why. Move on and respond to the next relevant request.

Can I use #JournoRequest to pitch my own story ideas?

No, #JournoRequest is for responding to journalist requests, not pitching unsolicited stories. Using the hashtag to push your own agenda violates the norms and can get you blocked by journalists. For pitching stories, contact journalists directly through appropriate channels.

Is this worth the time investment?

For most businesses, yes. Ten minutes of daily monitoring plus occasional response writing yields free media coverage worth thousands in equivalent advertising. The credibility of earned media exceeds paid alternatives. If you have genuine expertise and can respond quickly, the ROI is strongly positive.

Start Getting Free Media Coverage This Week

Free PR through #JournoRequest isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Journalists are publicly asking for expert sources every day, and most of those requests receive mediocre or no responses. If you can monitor regularly, respond quickly, and provide genuinely useful expertise, you’ll earn coverage that PR agencies charge significant fees to arrange.

Start simple: set up TweetDeck with #JournoRequest and your industry keywords, check it every hour during work time, and respond to the first relevant request you see. Your first coverage might come within the same week. Build the monitoring habit, refine your response approach based on what works, and develop the journalist relationships that turn one-time quotes into ongoing media presence.

The tools are free, the opportunities are public, and the barrier is simply paying attention. Most of your competitors aren’t monitoring. That’s your advantage.

Want help developing your media presence and PR strategy? Get in touch to discuss how we help businesses build authority through strategic media coverage.

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Written by: John Isaacson, Digital Marketing Strategist specialising in content marketing and PR strategy

Last Updated: January 2026