Pitches, podcasters and PRs: three handy connection tools for newsrooms

This article was migrated from an old version of our website in 2025. As a result, it might have some low-quality images or non-functioning links - if there's any issues you'd like to see fixed, get in touch with us at info@journalism.co.uk.

Busy newsrooms are constantly juggling the need to find quality freelancers, reliable sources, and specialised talent while managing overflowing inboxes and tight deadlines. Traditional networking methods often fall short in today's fast-paced media environment.

These three platforms are designed to streamline those crucial editorial connections and help newsrooms work more efficiently. Did we miss any off? Let us know.

Freelancers

Pitchwhiz is a platform designed to streamline connections between freelance journalists and commissioning editors by moving pitch management beyond cluttered email inboxes. The service focuses on creating efficient workflows for both sides of the editorial relationship while maintaining the core goal of connecting quality freelancers with publishers who pay decent fees.

For editors, the platform provides a pitch management system that organises incoming pitches outside of email with easy save, decline, or assign functions, plus one-click rejection reasons to provide useful feedback. Editors can create shareable "pitch calls" for specific assignments and browse a "Stories For Sale" page to discover available content from freelancers. A searchable directory allows editors to find writers by location, topic, or other keywords, making it easier to connect with journalists who have the right skills and geographic positioning for their needs.

For freelancers, Pitchwhiz offers "Pitch Packets" - comprehensive, shareable links that bundle story ideas with bios, clippings, and additional stories for sale, giving editors everything they need to evaluate a pitch in one place. Writers can even add short videos to inject personality into their pitches. The platform also provides professionally designed portfolio pages that automatically pull publication data when writers paste links to their clippings, creating clean showcases of their work with headlines, images, and outlet information.

Podcast producers

Podcast Crew is a professional networking platform that connects podcast producers with clients seeking quality production services. The platform maintains professional standards through minimum entry requirements and a verification system that helps clients identify experienced crew members who can deliver immediately.

The service offers filtered browsing capabilities that allow users to instantly find jobs or professionals matching their specific criteria, with at-a-glance availability checking to streamline the hiring process. Custom dashboards enable users to save favourites, track applications, and manage their profiles, while the platform also provides bespoke matching services where they'll actively source ideal candidates for specific projects.

For editors venturing into podcast production, Podcast Crew offers access to vetted audio professionals who can handle everything from technical production to full show development. The platform's verification system helps newsrooms identify producers with proven track records, while the bespoke matching service can save editorial teams time by sourcing candidates tailored to their specific podcast needs. Users also gain access to exclusive discounts on podcasting tools and services through the platform's partner network, potentially reducing production costs.

Sources

ResponseSource connects journalists to thousands of PR and communications professionals across the UK's agencies, businesses, charities, and public sector organisations. Journalists fill out a single form specifying their requirements and sector preferences, which then gets distributed via email to relevant subscribers and posted on a password-protected website for broader visibility.

The service targets PR professionals who subscribe to specific categories relevant to their expertise, ensuring enquiries reach only those most likely to provide useful responses. This targeted approach maximises the chances of getting quality sources while minimizing irrelevant responses. Subscribers reply directly to journalists, who set their own deadlines for responses.

For editors, Responsesource helps to source expert interviews and case studies for gathering statistics, background information, and comment. The service also handles practical requirements like finding products for review, competition prizes, photos, or locations for filming and photoshoots. ResponseSource protects journalists' privacy by creating unique, expiring email addresses that forward to their actual inbox, while allowing flexibility in how they prefer to receive responses - whether by email, phone, or social media.

We used Claude AI to help draft this article before it was edited by a human