HARO Data Reveals AI's Impact on PR: Human Pitches 3x More Likely to Be Used

Since HARO (Help a Reporter Out) was relaunched by Featured in April 2025, the platform has sent over 100 million emails connecting journalists with sources. The 2026 statistics from HARO provide a revealing snapshot of how artificial intelligence, spam, and inbox overload are reshaping media relations.

According to the data, 21% of pitches submitted through HARO are now entirely AI-generated. In response, more than a third of journalists (35%) choose to block AI-generated responses when posting requests. This pushback is not without consequence: human-written pitches are approximately three times more likely to be used by journalists compared to their AI counterparts.

"Human-written pitches are about 3x more likely to get featured than AI-written ones," said Brett Farmiloe, CEO of HARO. "The sources who stand out typically come from fully human teams who can provide credible information, respond to what the journalist actually asked for, and make the journalist's job easier. As inboxes get more crowded, being helpful becomes the differentiator."

The volume of activity is staggering. A user is banned every 23 minutes, primarily for spam and violations of HARO's terms of service. Additionally, 32% of journalist requests are rejected during the approval process due to concerns about the journalist, the publication, or the request's quality and legitimacy.

These numbers highlight a growing challenge for PR professionals: while access to journalists has expanded, cutting through the noise has become harder. The rise of AI-generated content has made filtering essential, and journalists are increasingly relying on tools and manual review to separate credible experts from automated spam.

Every pitch submitted through HARO is analyzed using AI detection technology provided by Pangram. Journalists can also report unhelpful pitches, triggering a manual review by the HARO team. This dual approach aims to maintain quality and trust on the platform.

For sources and publicists, the message is clear: authenticity and relevance are more valuable than ever. As Brett Farmiloe noted, making the journalist's job easier is the key differentiator. In an environment where AI-generated pitches are common, the human touch—providing specific, credible, and tailored responses—remains the most effective strategy for earning media coverage.

The data also underscores the importance of quality control. HARO's rejection of nearly one-third of journalist requests reflects a commitment to ensuring that only legitimate and relevant inquiries reach subscribers. This meticulous vetting process helps maintain the platform's value for both journalists and sources.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, HARO's statistics serve as a barometer for the state of PR. The interplay between AI efficiency and human judgment will likely define the next era of media relations, with those who adapt to the new dynamics gaining a competitive edge.