In plain English
What does exclusivity mean?
Exclusivity means giving a single journalist or publication first and sole access to a story for a limited window, in exchange for deeper, higher-profile coverage than a general release would get. Unlike an embargo, which restricts timing for many recipients, exclusivity restricts access itself to one recipient.
Offering exclusives is a strategic trade-off: it can secure a flagship placement in a top-tier outlet, but it forecloses simultaneous distribution to other reporters, who may be annoyed if they later learn they were passed over on a story they'd have wanted.
Example
We're offering TechCrunch first access to the funding announcement 24 hours ahead of the general release.
Use it well
Three practical tips
- 01
Choose the outlet whose audience and credibility best match the story's importance.
- 02
Set clear terms on how long the exclusivity window lasts.
- 03
Have your broader release and pitch list ready to go the moment the exclusive window ends.
Knowledge check
Did it stick?
How does exclusivity differ from an embargo?
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