ESC Media and Embargo Policy for Media Representatives

Last update 10 January 2026

Table of Contents 

1. Purpose and Scope
2. Accreditation and Access
3. Embargo Guidelines
4. Use of ESC Content
5. Photography, Recording and Screenshots
6. Industry and Exhibition Access
7. Social Media Guidelines
8. Conduct and Sanctions
9. Contact
10. Applicable Law

1. Purpose and Scope

Purpose 
To ensure that media representatives covering ESC activities do so in a manner that respects scientific integrity, protects embargoed content, and promotes accurate, fair, and timely reporting of cardiovascular science. 

Scope 
This policy applies to all journalists, reporters, photographers, videographers, and media professionals engaging with ESC Congresses, publications, press materials, and digital platforms. It outlines the conditions for media accreditation, access to embargoed materials, and participation in ESC media activities. 

2. Accreditation and Access

Media Representatives can apply for a 1-year press accreditation online.  Press Filming Crew members can obtain a press badge onsite only if they accompany an accredited Media Representative.  

Accreditation is available to journalists who: 

• Hold valid press credentials or a letter of assignment 
• Submit three recently published by-lined articles 
• Are directly involved in editorial news creation 

Accreditation is not available to: 

• Industry employees 
• PR firms or marketing professionals 
• Event coordinators or media outlet managers 
• Freelancers without editorial assignments 

Accredited Media Representatives receive: 

• Access to embargoed press materials 
• Complimentary access to ESC Congresses 
• Access to ESC journals and ESC 365 
• ESC TV Today episodes 

Credentials and passwords must not be shared. ESC reserves the right to deny or revoke accreditation at its discretion.

3. Embargo Guidelines

ESC press materials, including abstracts, journal articles, and presentations are subject to strict embargoes. 

• If a material (abstracts, journal articles, presentations) is under embargo, the specific embargo time will be clearly indicated on each press release or media advisory. The embargo lifts at the scheduled start time of the relevant session or at the time of official publication by the ESC. 
• No coverage, publication, or public dissemination is permitted before the embargo lifts. 
• Embargo breaches may result in immediate revocation of media privileges and exclusion from future ESC events. 

Media Representatives are responsible for respecting embargoes and ensuring third parties acting on their behalf to do the same.

4. Use of ESC Content

Media Representatives may quote, paraphrase, or report on ESC content for editorial purposes only. 

• Commercial use, reproduction, or redistribution of ESC materials (including images, videos, and slides) requires written permission from the ESC Press Office. 
• All coverage must accurately represent ESC findings and avoid sensationalism or misinterpretation. 
• ESC must be credited as the source of the information (e.g., “According to the European Society of Cardiology…”) 

5. Photography, Recording and Screenshots

• During ESC events, photos, audio/video recordings, and screenshots are not permitted in lecture rooms, the exhibition area and other restricted areas. This protects intellectual property and individual privacy rights.
• Authorised media content must reference the event or source (e.g., ESC Congress).
• Commercial use of images is strictly forbidden.
• ESC logos and trademarks may not be used without prior written approval. 

6. Industry and Exhibition Access

• Access to the exhibition area, satellite sessions, and tutorials is restricted to healthcare professionals under EU Directive 2001/83/EC (Articles 86–100). 
• Access through the exhibition area is permitted to non-healthcare professionals only as a route to lecture rooms. Filming and photography remain prohibited. 
• Journalists who are qualified healthcare professionals must declare credentials during registration and carry proof onsite. 

 7. Social Media Guidelines 

The ESC encourages the responsible use of social media to amplify scientific knowledge and promote cardiovascular health. Media representatives are welcome to share insights from ESC events and publications, provided they respect embargo rules and intellectual property rights. All rules that apply to the press and media also apply equally to social media activity. 

 General Principles

• Social media posts must comply with ESC embargo policies. Embargoed content may not be shared before the official release time. 
• ESC hashtags (e.g. #ESCCongress, #ESC365) and official handles (e.g. @escardio) may be used to increase visibility and engagement. 
• Posts must not imply ESC endorsement of any product, service, or organisation.

Visual Content

• Sharing images of single slides from sessions is permitted after the embargo lifts, provided the content is not misleading or taken out of context. 
• Videos, screenshots, or photos taken in lecture rooms, press briefings, or restricted areas are not permitted.  
• All shared visuals must include appropriate attribution and reference to the ESC event (e.g. “Presented at ESC Congress 2025”).

8. Conduct and Sanctions

Media Representatives are expected to uphold professional standards of accuracy, fairness, and respect. 

Misconduct includes: 

• Breaching embargoes 
• Misusing media credentials 
• Filming or photographing in restricted areas 
• Promoting commercial interests or soliciting advertising 

Sanctions may include: 

• Immediate removal from ESC events 
• Revocation of press credentials 
• Removal from ESC media distribution lists 
• Public disclosure of the breach 
• Legal action or claims for damages 

ESC reserves the right to apply or lift sanctions at any time. Absence of immediate sanction does not imply acceptance of misconduct.

9. Contact

For media inquiries, accreditation, or permissions, please contact the ESC Press Office: press@escardio.org 

ESC does not share its press database or registration lists with third parties. 

10. Applicable Law