Automated PR Embargo and Deadline Tracker
Every morning, WebRun checks the embargo and announcement deadline tracker in Google Sheets, identifies lifts and release dates within the next 48 hours, verifies distribution-readiness in Prowly, and posts a prioritised Slack alert so the team knows exactly what goes live today and tomorrow.
How can I automatically track PR embargo lifts and announcement deadlines?
Every morning, WebRun scans the embargo and announcement tracker in Google Sheets for deadlines within the next 48 hours, checks each release's distribution readiness in Prowly, and posts a prioritised Slack alert with readiness status and owner tags. No embargo is missed and no release goes out without a human approving distribution.
- No embargo lift or announcement deadline goes unnoticed in a busy schedule
- The team knows exactly which releases are ready and which still need action
- Distribution prep is confirmed the day before every deadline, not the morning of
Built for PR agencies · communications managers · account leads · PR coordinators
What does WebRun do on every run?
The exact actions WebRun takes, in order - in plain language, so you can adjust anything.
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WebRun signs in and gets to work
Opens
docs.google.com/spreadsheetsin a real browser with your saved login - no setup, no API keys. -
1
Google Sheets - check upcoming deadlines
google.com
WebRun opens Google Sheets to check upcoming deadlines. - Open the embargo and announcement tracker sheet
- Filter rows to deadlines and embargo lifts occurring within the next 48 hours
- Capture client, announcement title, deadline date and time, and assigned team member
Done when All deadlines within the 48-hour window are listed with client, title, time, and owner.
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2
Prowly - verify distribution readiness
prowly.com
WebRun opens Prowly to verify distribution readiness. - Open Prowly and check the press release or story status for each upcoming announcement
- Confirm whether the release is drafted, approved, and ready for distribution
- Flag any release that is not yet approved or is missing a media list
Done when Distribution readiness is confirmed or flagged for each announcement due within 48 hours.
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3
Slack - post the deadline alert
slack.com
WebRun opens Slack to post the deadline alert. - Post a prioritised alert to the team channel listing deadlines by urgency
- Mark items as ready or needs action based on Prowly readiness status
- Tag the assigned team member for any item flagged as not yet ready
Done when The team has a clear Slack alert with every upcoming deadline and its readiness status.
How is each run configured?
Secure by default
Connect once, stays signed in
WebRun signs in once and keeps each session in a persistent environment, so every run picks up right where it left off.
Every action is checked against this policy before it runs.
Questions, answered
Will it distribute a press release automatically when an embargo lifts?
No. WebRun surfaces readiness status and flags items not yet ready, but distribution is always triggered by a human team member. Nothing is distributed without explicit approval.
How far ahead does it look for upcoming deadlines?
Each morning run captures everything due within the next 48 hours, giving the team a full day's warning on tomorrow's deadlines while also confirming what is live today.
What happens if a deadline is missing from the tracker sheet?
The tracker is only as complete as the data entered into Google Sheets, so the team should log every embargo and announcement date when a campaign is set up. WebRun monitors what is in the sheet.
Related templates
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