There are a couple of interesting new media-related online tools worth noting.

Yesterday I ran into HARO, which stands for Help a Reporter Out.

Founded in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Peter Shankman, Help A Reporter Out (HARO) is one of the fastest-growing social media services in North America.

Every day, HARO brings nearly 30,000 reporters and bloggers, over 100,000 news sources and thousands of small businesses together to tell their stories, promote their brands and sell their products and services.
Since its inception, Two Cats and a Cup of Coffee under its mark HARO has published more than 75,000 journalist queries, has facilitated nearly 7,500,000 media pitches, and has marketed and promoted close to 1,500 brands to the media, small businesses and consumers.

HARO is entirely free to sources and reporters, and unlike a majority of social media services, is independently owned and funded and has been profitable since day one. In addition, HARO serves as a vital social networking resource for sources, reporters and advertisers who use the service at www.helpareporter.com .

That description mentions bloggers, so this might be of use beyond the mainstream corporate media.

Then there’s the new Ebyline, sort of a swap meet or hiring hall for freelancers and publishers.

According to the Ebyline website, publishers can buy or sell content, as well as find, hire, and manage freelance journalists. Freelancers can pitch and sell stories to publishers and editors.

There’s a long legal agreement for freelancers which needs some careful study before I could recommend this site but, at first glance, it’s quite interesting. It isn’t clear whether the agreement adequately protects the rights of freelance writers.

Of course, there are lots of existing tools out there, like this toolbox from Journalism.org, and these from the Committee of Concerned Journalists.

Good browsing!