Some information is shared with journalists before the public may see it. An embargo is an agreement that the recipient will not publish or broadcast the material until a specified time.

Researchers, companies, and governments use embargoes to allow reporters to prepare accurate coverage that appears simultaneously with an official release. Breaking an embargo can result in loss of future access. Newsrooms decide whether to accept embargoed material based on the value of the information and the reasonableness of the terms.

Embargoes are a practical tool, not a legal compulsion in most cases. Once the release time passes, the information is free for use. Clear labeling of embargoed documents and internal tracking of release times prevent accidental early publication.

• Agreement not to publish before a set time
• Allows advance preparation of coverage
• Breaking it can cost future access
• Tracked carefully inside newsrooms