Creating a Search Agent (MediaAgent)
NewsMachine’s search service is based on Boolean search principles. This guide explains how to create and configure a MediaAgent to monitor media sources effectively.
1. Creating an Search Agent
Types of Agents
NewsMachine offers three types of agents:
- MediaAgent™: Monitors media sources.
- SiteAgent™: Monitors specific websites.
- SocialAgent: Monitors specific social media platforms.
This guide focuses on creating a MediaAgent.
Steps to Create a MediaAgent
- Log in to NewsMachine.
- Navigate to Monitor in the top menu.
- Select Agents in the submenu and then click Create MediaAgent in the left-hand menu.
- Enter a descriptive name for your agent.

Note: When creating a SiteAgent you can choose whether the agent should be private (for personal use) or shared (available to a workgroup).
2. Selecting Sources
- Click the Edit Media List button (top right corner).
- Choose sources for the agent to monitor.
- If you choose Standard, the agent monitors all sources included in your subscription.
📌 Related article: Managing search agents: errors, updates and filtering
3. Configuring Keywords

Your search string is created using three search / keyword boxes:
Or-Box (Extends Search)
- Words entered here are automatically combined with OR (no need to type “OR”).
- If any word in this box appears in a document, it generates a hit.
- Each new term must be entered on a new line.
- There is an invisible AND between the Or-Box and the And-Box.
And-Box (Refines search)
- All the words in this box must be present in a document for there to be a match.
- If you type (Or keyword And keyword), it ensures that at least one of the words appears.
- There is an invisible NOT between the And Box and the Not Box.
Not Box / Stop Word Box (Excludes Terms)
- Enter words to be excluded from the search results.
- You don’t need to type “NOT”, it is applied automatically.
- If any word in this box appears in a document, it will be excluded from results.
4. Saving and Activating the Agent
Once you have filled in your search criteria, you must confirm your settings. You have three options:
- Cancel: Ignores all changes.
- Search & Save: Activates the agent and performs a historical search based on your search profile as far back as material exists.
- Save: Activates the agent but only starts searching from the moment of activation (no historical search).
5. Additional Settings
Notes field
- Add comments for reference (for example, changes made to the agent).
- This is particularly useful when multiple users share an agent.
Real-Time Alert
- Set notification preferences per recipient.
- Select the format for reports (default formats are available).
Alarm period
- To set alert period click on Advanced setting in the menu
- Define how often notifications should be sent:
- Immediately (When it happens): Instant notifications (may result in high email volume).
- Delayed (5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes): Batches multiple alerts into fewer emails.
Search Scope
- Title: Searches only within document titles.
- Entire document (default): Searches the entire text.
Stock Exchange Lists
- Exclude hits from stock market reports (useful for filtering out finance-related content).
My Agents
Under Monitoring > Agents > Agents you can view and manage all your agents. This section provides key details about each agent, including:
- Whether an agent is active or inactive.
- The ability to activate or deactivate an agent with a single click. Deactivating an agent pauses its search for matching documents.
Types of Agents
Agents can be classified as public, private or shared:
- Public Agents: Provided by NewsMachine’s editorial staff. You can activate them by selecting subscribe. Once activated, you can customize them to suit your needs.
- Personal Agents: Agents that you create and use privately.
- Shared Agents: Agents to which multiple users have access. Shared agents come in two types:
- View-Only Shared Agents: You can see search results but cannot make changes.
- Editable Shared Agents: You have administrator rights, allowing you to edit the agent while others only view the results.
Important Distinction
Shared agents should not be confused with receiving reports. Reports are a separate function.