How to get a quote in the press: updated for 2026 (UK). To get a quote in the UK press: register on HARO/Qwoted/ResponseSource to respond to active journalist queries, build direct relationships with 10-15 journalists who cover your sector, monitor news and pitch reactive expert commentary within 2 hours of stories breaking, and position yourself as the named go-to voice on specific topics through consistent content and expert credentials.
5 reliable ways to get quoted in 2026
- HARO/Qwoted/ResponseSource. Check queries twice daily. Respond to 2-3 per week with specific expertise. Conversion 15-25% for well-targeted responses.
- Direct journalist relationships. Maintain contact with 10-15 journalists in your sector. Offer them quotes before they ask.
- Reactive expert commentary. When news breaks, email 5-10 journalists within 2 hours with a ready-to-use quote.
- LinkedIn positioning. Post substantive opinion weekly — journalists source quotes from LinkedIn regularly.
- Expert directories. Register on UK expert databases (Expert Sources, MuckRack expert listings).
How to get a quote in the press: a step-by-step plan
- Choose two or three topics you can speak on with authority. Journalists want people with direct experience, data or a clear professional view, not general opinions on everything.
- Write a short expert profile. One paragraph explaining who you are, what you can comment on and why your view is credible. Keep it ready to paste into responses.
- Watch for relevant news. Set up alerts for your topics so you see stories as they break, when reporters are most likely to need extra voices.
- Respond quickly and usefully. Send two or three sentences of clear commentary that a journalist could use as it stands, with your name, job title and company.
- Answer source requests. Journalist request services publish daily queries from reporters looking for experts. Respond only where you genuinely fit the brief.
- Stay available. If a journalist calls, answer or call back fast. Missed calls usually mean a missed quote.
What makes a quote usable
- A clear point of view in plain English.
- A specific example, number or piece of evidence.
- No product promotion or sales language.
- Short enough to drop into an article without heavy editing.
How to get a quote in the press regularly
One quote is a good start; becoming a regular source is where the real value lies. Keep a simple log of the journalists who have used your comments, send them occasional relevant insight and always meet their deadlines. Over time you become the first person they call. If you would like help building that profile, read how to hire a PR agency or our guide on getting quoted in the FT.
FAQs
Do I need media training before being quoted?
It helps, especially for broadcast interviews or sensitive topics. Training teaches you to deliver clear messages and handle difficult questions.
Can I ask to check my quote before publication?
You can ask a journalist to read back a quote for accuracy, but UK journalists will not usually let sources approve articles. Being clear and careful in the first place is the best protection. The Editors’ Code of Practice sets out the standards most UK newspapers and magazines follow.