In plain English
What does embargo mean?
An embargo is a condition placed on information given to journalists in advance, restricting publication until a specified date and time. PR teams use embargoes to give reporters lead time to research and write thorough stories while ensuring nobody breaks the news early, creating a coordinated wave of coverage at launch.
Embargoes rely on trust rather than legal enforcement; a journalist who breaks one, known as "burning" it, risks being cut off from future early access. Embargoes work best with established outlets and are typically paired with clear labeling like "EMBARGOED UNTIL 9:00 AM ET, MARCH 4."
Example
We're sharing this under embargo until Tuesday, 8 a.m. ET, so your team has time to prepare a feature before the public announcement.
Use it well
Three practical tips
- 01
State the exact embargo date, time, and time zone in the subject line.
- 02
Only offer embargoes to journalists you trust or have a relationship with.
- 03
Have a plan ready if the embargo breaks early, including an immediate public release.
Knowledge check
Did it stick?
What happens when a journalist publishes an embargoed story early?
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