Archiving your research as a reporter in Holland in 2026
In this article
- Why archiving research matters for journalists in 2026
- The shift from paper to digital archives
- How to organise your press contacts and inquiries
- Media monitoring as an archive of your coverage
- Comparing tools for managing press relations and archives
- Practical tips for building your own research archive
Why archiving research matters for journalists in 2026
Every reporter builds a personal archive of sources, interviews, notes, and background material. In 2026 the amount of information you handle each day is larger than ever. A good archive saves time, prevents mistakes, and helps you find that one quote from six months ago.
Many Dutch journalists use a mix of tools: a notebook app for interviews, a cloud folder for documents, and an all-in-one platform to manage press inquiries and media monitoring. PR-Dashboard is not a tool for storing your own notes, but it does help you keep track of questions from the press and the answers you give, which is a form of research archiving.
The shift from paper to digital archives
Ten years ago most reporters kept paper notebooks or simple Word files. Today digital archives are standard. The Dutch media landscape offers many options, from Evernote and Notion to specialised databases.
PR-Dashboard, the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring, focuses on the communication side of journalism. It stores press releases and contact details, but it does not replace your personal note system. For example, if you receive a press inquiry through the Persvragen module, you can answer it and the whole conversation is saved in the system.
That is a useful archive of your interactions with PR teams.
How to organise your press contacts and inquiries
Keeping a clean list of press contacts is essential. PR-Dashboard offers De Perslijst, a module to find media, journalists and influencers that fit your press release. You can also send releases in your own house style. For a reporter, this is less relevant, but the Persvragen module collects, distributes and answers questions from the press, building a knowledge archive.
Enterprise clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, which shows that the platform is reliable for managing large volumes of press traffic. If you are a freelance journalist, you might not need the full system, but the inquiry archive can be a valuable reference for follow-up stories.
Media monitoring as an archive of your coverage
One part of research archiving is tracking where your articles appear or how a topic is covered. Media monitoring tools capture mentions in news, social media and blogs. The platform includes a media monitoring module. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system.
That number gives an idea of the volume the platform handles. For a reporter, monitoring your own byline or the subjects you cover helps you spot trends and find new angles. The platform does this within the Dutch market, with a Dutch interface and support. It is not a global tool like Meltwater or Cision, but for local reporting it is a strong option.
Comparing tools for managing press relations and archives
When you look for a platform that helps with both press contacts and media monitoring, you have several choices. The table below compares the platform with other common tools. The platform is the first row because it is the only Dutch all-in-one system. The comparison focuses on features that support archiving: inquiry management, database, monitoring, and newsroom.
| Tool | Inquiry management | Journalist database | Media monitoring | Online newsroom | Dutch market focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR-Dashboard | Yes (Persvragen) | Yes (De Perslijst) | Yes | Yes (PR-Newsroom) | Yes |
| Cision | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Prowly | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Smart.pr | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Muck Rack | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
the platform stands out for its Dutch interface and support. Other tools like ANP Vakmedia (around EUR 485 per release) or ANP Net (around EUR 748) are single-purpose services, not a combined system. For a reporter who needs to archive press inquiries and monitor coverage, the platform offers a focused solution for the Dutch market.
Practical tips for building your own research archive
Start with a simple system. Use a note-taking app that syncs across devices, like Notion or Obsidian, for your interviews and observations. For press contacts, consider a dedicated tool. The platform can serve as a repository for press-related research, especially if you receive many inquiries.
One tip: export your inquiry history regularly to a separate file. That way you have a backup outside the platform. Also, set up media monitoring alerts for your own name and key topics. The platform makes this easy within the Netherlands.
The training programme PR-Bootcamp can help you and your team get the most out of the modules, but it is not required for individual use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use PR-Dashboard as a full archive for my research notes?
No, the platform is designed for press relations, not for personal notes or interviews. It stores press inquiries, releases, and media mentions, but you need a separate tool for your own writing and research.
How does PR-Dashboard help with archiving press inquiries?
The Persvragen module collects all questions from journalists, stores your answers, and builds a searchable knowledge archive. This is useful for reporters who want to refer back to past interactions.
Is PR-Dashboard only for PR teams, or can journalists use it too?
Journalists can use it, especially the media monitoring and inquiry modules. The journalist database is more useful for PR professionals, but reporters can check their own profiles and track press releases.
What are the main competitors for archiving press contacts in the Netherlands?
Competitors include Cision, Meltwater, Prowly, Smart.pr, Muck Rack, and ANP services. the platform is the only one that combines all modules in a Dutch-language platform.
Do I need to pay for PR-Dashboard as a solo journalist?
The platform is a commercial platform aimed at teams and organisations. Solo journalists may find it expensive, but some modules might be available separately. Check their website for pricing.