The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has announced changes to its embargoed access policy, limiting advanced access to certain news organizations. Publications targeting physicians will no longer qualify for embargoed access, according to Dawn Peters, director of strategic communications & media relations at NEJM Group. This decision comes amid shifts in medical publishing and the growth of NEJM Group’s journal portfolio.
Ivan Oransky, MD, a veteran in medical journalism, views this move as a strategy to minimize competition and expand market share. Critics argue that such restrictions undermine the purpose of embargoes, which were initially intended to ensure accurate and thorough reporting. George Lundberg, MD, former editor-in-chief of JAMA, sees the embargo system primarily as a means to protect journal reputation and market position.
The updated policy affects freelancers as well, with NEJM now requiring them to cater to non-clinical audiences to qualify for embargoed access. However, concerns arise about the implications of this change on journalistic freedom and diversity of coverage.
While NEJM offers MedPage Today reporter’s complimentary subscriptions for post-publication access, questions linger regarding the broader impact on physician-focused publications. NEJM Group’s decision reflects broader shifts in the media landscape and raises questions about the future of embargoed access in medical journalism.