Media Contact Database
A journalist database for building media lists
Presswire's media contact database holds more than 620,000 media contacts: journalists, editors, publications and outlets across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Search it by editorial beat, publication type, location and role to build a media list for each announcement, at regional, national or continent-wide level.
Access is by annual subscription, which also includes unlimited press release distribution and a complimentary Tracking Report with every release: $2,700 a year for the UK, $4,000 for North America or Europe (including the UK) and $6,550 for global coverage. Records are reviewed continuously as journalists change roles and outlets.
Need a list for a single release instead? Every Presswire distribution includes a bespoke media list built from the same database, from $250 per release.
What the media contact database includes
The Presswire Media Contact Database allows you to research journalists by sector, publication, location and editorial role.
You can use the database to:
All contacts are maintained with an emphasis on relevance, accuracy and usability.
Build a media list by beat, outlet, region and role
Presswire’s Media Contact Database is structured to support precision outreach, not mass emailing.
This allows you to match your story to journalists who are genuinely likely to cover it and helps reduce wasted outreach.
Download the database subjects and categories
The Media Contact Database is organised using a detailed editorial taxonomy that reflects how journalists actually work.
The taxonomy covers a wide range of subject areas, industries and editorial beats and allows users to filter media contacts with precision at global, regional, national or continent-wide level.
Subjects include business, technology, finance, health, energy, politics, science, culture and sector-specific beats used by professional newsrooms.
To help customers understand the breadth and structure of the database, we provide access to the full list of subjects and categories used within the Media Contact Database.
This taxonomy is used consistently across the database and press release distribution services to support accurate targeting and relevant outreach.
Download the Presswire brochure (PDF)
How the journalist database is kept current
The database is continuously reviewed and updated to reflect changes in editorial roles, publications and contact details.
We prioritise:
This approach ensures the database remains a practical working tool rather than a static contact archive.
Media contact database pricing
Annual subscriptions include twelve months of database access, unlimited press release distribution and a complimentary Tracking Report with every release, in your chosen territory. Prices exclude VAT.
At 14 worldwide releases with Tracking Reports, the Global subscription costs $6,550 against $6,930 bought individually, a saving of $380.
Using the database with press release distribution
The Media Contact Database can be used on its own or alongside Presswire’s other services.
Many clients use it to:
The database integrates naturally with press release distribution: annual subscriptions include both.
Who uses the media contact database
This service is used by:
It is particularly suited to users who value quality targeting over volume.
Aligned with how journalists actually work
Presswire’s approach focuses on how journalists actually work.
You benefit from:
The database is designed to support responsible and effective media engagement.
How to get access
The Media Contact Database is available by annual subscription, which includes unlimited press release distribution and a complimentary Tracking Report with every release in your chosen territory.
Access options are available for organisations looking for a professional media contact database with global reach and precise targeting.
Media contact database: frequently asked questions
How many contacts are in Presswire's media contact database?
More than 620,000 media contacts, including journalists, editors, publications and outlets, across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
How much does the media contact database cost?
An annual subscription is $2,700 for the UK, $4,000 for North America, $4,000 for Europe including the UK and $6,550 for global coverage (£2,000 / £3,000 / £3,000 / £4,900). Each includes unlimited press release distribution and a complimentary Tracking Report with every release in that territory. Prices exclude VAT.
Where does the contact data come from?
From public professional sources, such as outlet mastheads, staff pages, bylines and public professional profiles, and from journalists and outlets directly. Presswire has never bought, rented or licensed contact data, and does not collect from LinkedIn or data brokers.
Can I export contacts?
Subscribers can see professional contact details, including email addresses, and export them for their own media-relations use.
Can I get a media list for one press release without subscribing?
Yes. For every release it distributes, Presswire builds a bespoke media list from the database, by beat, outlet type, region and role. Distribution costs $250 per release for one region or $400 worldwide.
How do I arrange access?
Subscriptions are arranged with the Presswire team: use the contact form, the live webchat or call +44 (0)20 7754 0050.
Review pricing or speak to the team
Pricing for this service is available on the Presswire pricing page, with options based on distribution scope, coverage and service requirements.
If you have questions about pricing, coverage or how this service fits into your wider media activity, the Presswire team can help.
This allows you to review pricing independently or speak to the team before proceeding.
Choose the option that best fits how you want to proceed.