Coverage methodology.

Scope

This document describes how myPRwire defines, identifies, verifies, and records coverage following the dispatch of a press release. It covers the coverage record format, syndication tracking, pickup timelines, and the desk's obligations and limitations in reporting on third-party editorial decisions.

Definition of coverage

Coverage, for the purposes of the myPRwire coverage record, is defined as any published item that: (a) originates from the dispatched release as a primary source; (b) attributes the information to the named organisation in the release; and (c) is published through a channel that was on the dispatch target list or is a confirmed syndication of a listed outlet. Coverage does not include: mentions that were not sourced from the release; items published before the embargo lift time; or publications that paraphrase or aggregate without attribution to the named organisation.

How coverage is identified

Coverage identification uses three methods applied in combination:

1. Direct monitoring. For Tier 1 and Tier 2 outlets on the dispatch list, the desk monitors publication within the first 24 hours after dispatch. Monitoring is conducted by a desk editor, not by automated clipping alone. Where an outlet publishes an item sourced from the release, the editor records the outlet name, publication time, URL or reference, headline, and attribution format.
2. Syndication tracking. Where a wire endpoint was included in the dispatch, the desk tracks confirmed syndication pickups from the wire service's own reporting, where available. Syndication items are listed separately in the coverage record under the syndication line.
3. Client-supplied supplementary coverage. Where a client identifies a coverage item not captured by the desk's monitoring, they may submit it to the desk for inclusion. The desk verifies that the item meets the coverage definition before adding it to the record. Unverified items are not included.

Attribution standards

Coverage items in the record are listed with their attribution format noted: whether the published item attributes the announcement to the named organisation by name; whether it quotes from the release directly; and whether it references the release as the source. Items that meet the coverage definition but do not attribute by name are flagged in the record with an attribution note. The coverage record does not distinguish between favourable, neutral, and unfavourable editorial treatment — it records publication and attribution, not sentiment.

Coverage record format

The coverage record is compiled and delivered within 24 hours of the first dispatch wave. For multi-region releases with staggered dispatch, the T+24h clock runs from the final regional dispatch. The record includes:

• Release reference, headline, dispatch timestamp, and regional dispatch sequence
• Total confirmed pickups, broken down by region and outlet tier
• Per-item listing: outlet name, publication time, attribution format, and URL or reference where available
• Syndication line: number of wire syndications confirmed, wire service name, and confirmation method
• Unconfirmed items: outlets from which coverage was anticipated but not confirmed within the T+24h window, noted with the reason if known
• First publication record: the outlet and time of the first confirmed pickup
• Translation coverage: separate section for non-English pickups, with language and outlet noted

The record is delivered as PDF and CSV. An extended record with routing cross-reference is available on request.

Unconfirmed pickups

Where an outlet on the dispatch list does not publish within the T+24h window, the desk records it as unconfirmed. This is distinct from a non-pickup: it means the desk could not verify either way within the reporting window. Unconfirmed items are flagged in the record. The desk does not inflate coverage figures by treating unconfirmed items as confirmed. Where a client subsequently identifies publication by an outlet listed as unconfirmed, the desk updates the record and reissues it.

Pickup timeline

The coverage record includes a pickup timeline showing the cumulative count of confirmed pickups from dispatch through T+24h. For releases with significant overnight gap between US/EMEA and APAC dispatch times, the timeline is annotated to distinguish regional pickup waves. The timeline is included in the PDF record and as a separate data file in the CSV delivery.

Syndication

Wire syndications are tracked where the wire service provides confirmation data. Where confirmation data is not available from the wire service directly, the desk records the syndication as estimated based on the wire's standard distribution reach for the relevant market. Estimated syndications are clearly labelled as such in the record and do not appear in the confirmed pickup count. Clients should not rely on estimated syndication figures for regulatory or investor reporting purposes.

Extended monitoring

The standard coverage record covers T+24h. For clients requiring extended monitoring — results announcements, M&A releases, or crisis communications — the desk offers T+72h and T+7d monitoring on request. Extended monitoring is priced separately and confirmed before dispatch. Extended monitoring reports use the same methodology as the standard record.

Record retention and access

Coverage records are retained for seven years from the date of dispatch. Clients may request archive coverage records for any release within that period. Records are issued in the same format as the original delivery. Where a coverage record has been updated following a correction, the updated version is the record of reference; the original version is retained in the audit file.

What the coverage record does not represent

The coverage record is a dispatch and publication record. It does not represent: the commercial value of coverage; reach, readership, or impressions data; a measure of editorial quality or tone; a guarantee that all distributed recipients published the release; or an endorsement of the organisation or its announcement by any listed outlet. These limitations are stated in the coverage record itself.

Effective: January 2026 · Next review: January 2027