Getting and using information
Exclusive
A story or interview that one outlet has secured and no rival has, giving it sole possession of the news.
An exclusive is a story only you have, whether because you broke it, were handed it, or negotiated or paid for sole access. Outlets prize exclusives because they draw readers and set the agenda, and they often badge them loudly on the front page. For a freelancer the word carries a second, contractual meaning: selling a publication exclusive first rights, so it alone may run the piece first. Simon's business guide spells out how those first rights work and why you should hand over no more than you must.