What is a foreign correspondent?
A foreign correspondent lives in the country they cover. They follow political, economic, or tech news and then explain it to readers in another country. They may be employed by a media outlet, work for a press agency international agency, or work as a freelancer for several publications.
Foreign correspondent or local journalist: what's the difference?
Their audience. A French journalist writes for readers who are familiar with French figures. A correspondent writes for readers who are not. They therefore look for topics that shed light on a broader trend: what France is doing differently, what a French company reveals about a European market, or what might be of interest to their home country. A mid-sized fundraising round rarely interests them on its own.
Why do correspondents matter to a French startup?
Because they are within reach. A startup targeting the English-speaking press doesn't need to start with New York or London: correspondents based in Paris are accessible in both French and English and are already familiar with the ecosystem. An article with them can be read far beyond France.
The relevance rule applies even more here than elsewhere: 88% of journalists immediately discard a pitch that is outside their beat (Muck Rack, State of Journalism 2026). A correspondent covering French politics will not cover a SaaS launch.
How do you approach a foreign correspondent?
- Read their latest articles to understand what they cover and for which audience.
- Propose an angle that speaks to their readers: data on Europe, a comparison with their market, or a trend.
- Provide a spokesperson who is comfortable in English and prepared by a media training.
- Explain the French context in one sentence, without local jargon.
Learn more
The basic method remains that of the media pitch: seehow to approach a journalistand the fact sheetpress release in English. To target the international press from Paris: our public relations support.
Last updated: October 2026
