Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if information is embargoed?

The embargo means information concerning the study cannot be published, broadcast, posted online, shared with non-journalists or otherwise placed in the public domain until the time of the embargo.

What is the embargo policy of JAMA and JAMA Network Journals?

JAMA Network® grants prepublication access to articles to selected members of the media who agree not to publish, broadcast, post online, or otherwise place information about embargoed content in the public domain until the time of their publication by the JAMA Network. During this embargo period individuals granted access to articles may read them, discuss their findings with the authors, and consult with other experts for the purpose of drafting reports, news stories, or other coverage for release at the time of article publication. The rationale for maintaining an embargo system is summarized by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (http://tinyurl.com/pdcntkg):

“Doctors in practice need to have research reports available in full detail before they can advise patients about the reports’ conclusions…. For the media, the embargo creates a ‘level playing field,’ which most reporters and writers appreciate since it minimizes the pressure on them to publish stories before competitors when they have not had time to prepare carefully. Consistency in the timing of public release of biomedical information is also important in minimizing economic chaos, since some articles contain information that has potential to influence financial markets.”

In addition to the PDF of the full article scheduled for publication, the JAMA Network may provide a news release, video, audio and/or images. All of this material is subject to the embargo and is furnished exclusively for use in coverage of JAMA Network articles and for no other purpose.

By requesting access to JAMA Network embargoed materials, members of the media agree to adhere to the above restrictions and also to the following specific policies. For additional questions regarding JAMA Network embargo policies, call JAMA Network Media Relations at 312-464-JAMA (5262) or e-mail mediarelations@jamanetwork.org.

Embargo Times
Embargoes vary and lift the time and day articles are published online or in print (whichever comes first).

JAMA Network will grant credentials to its embargoed content to:

  • Reporters, writers, editors, and producers with staff credentials from newspapers, magazines, online news services, wire services, radio or television networks and stations
  • Independent journalists (including bloggers) and editors who regularly cover health-related topics (Note: Individuals will be required to provide examples of recent work)
  • Representatives of some academic, government, or hospital media/public relations departments
  • Media credentials are not transferable. Each person accessing the site must have their own credentials.

JAMA Network will not grant access to its embargoed content to:

  • Public relations firms, advertising agencies, or production companies with no immediate affiliation to the authors or a specific article
  • Writers/editors or other contributors for patient publications created and distributed by industry, such as pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers
  • Representatives of industry including pharmaceutical companies or device manufacturers
  • Financial or industry analysts
  • Publications or websites supported by industry, including patient advocacy groups
  • Representatives of corporate media/public relations, advertising, or marketing departments

JAMA Network reviews embargo breaks on a case-by-case basis. Circumstances of the embargo violation will be evaluated before a determination is made regarding appropriate penalties. Penalties for breaking an embargo may include but are not limited to loss of access to embargoed materials and loss of media credentials to JAMA Network events. The media outlet that employs the reporter also may be suspended from receiving embargoed materials. If a media outlet/reporter has been suspended, it will be the responsibility of the reporter and media outlet to reapply for access to embargoed materials after the suspension period ends.

Are there ever exceptions to the JAMA and JAMA Network embargo?

The embargo is strict and only JAMA Network Media Relations is authorized to make changes to a study’s embargo time. Contact the department if you have a question concerning an embargo.

For Public Information Officers:

I’m a new PIO. How do I hear about new JAMA and JAMA Network studies?

You should reach out to JAMA Network Media Relations.

Am I allowed to post a news release on my website?

Embargoed news releases may be posted only to restricted-access websites for journalists. Do not post embargoed news releases to open-access sites. JAMA and JAMA Network studies cannot be posted on another website, but it is permissible to provide a link to the studies from another website.

Can I distribute my researcher’s JAMA or JAMA Network study to reporters?

Mass distribution of JAMA and JAMA Network papers to the media is not allowed and journalists should be directed to JAMA Network Media Relations and/or the For The Media website for the study.

What are the guidelines concerning writing and distributing our own news releases on JAMA and JAMA Network studies?

Any news release or media advisory should the have the study’s embargo time, date and time zone at the top of the release or advisory, and cite in which journal the study appears. Embargoed news releases should be distributed only to journalists. Embargoed information cannot be posted to openly accessible websites; routed to electronic wire services such as PRNewswire, Ascribe or BusinessWire; or otherwise placed in the public domain. (These and other open-access services may be used as soon as the embargo lifts, as desired.)

 

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