Embargo

Also called: news embargo or press embargo

A publication embargo means that certain information is not intended for publication before a certain time. The news embargo usually strikes a press release and is intended to prevent media from coming out with news before a certain date and/or time. At the same time, it enables media to prepare a quick publication of a news article.

News embargo

With news that may not be released until a specific time (think of the Millionaires' Budget or a product announcement), the trade-off for the source is to wait until the last moment to distribute the information, or to inform the press in advance provided it is not yet being written about. Distributing news under embargo increases the likelihood that the news will generate as much attention as possible simultaneously after the embargo expires.

As long as there is a good reason for embargoes, they are usually respected by the media. An unwritten convention is that the embargo automatically expires as soon as the information is available through another source.

Logistics embargo

Embargoes can also be imposed for logistical reasons. If a manufacturer wants a new product to be in stores everywhere on the same date, distribution must begin some time in advance. Items may not be sold until after the sales embargo expires.