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 provides a News Release and may provide 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.
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
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
Penalties for Breaking Embargo
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.
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