Breaking news is news that happens immediately, requiring immediate reporting. This type of news usually involves important or urgent events that impact the public, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. It may also involve sudden major developments in political or social issues. Unlike regular news reporting, which often has time to fact-check, breaking news requires journalists to report information as it becomes available, leading to frequent updates as more details become known.
In the past, when breaking news occurred, a broadcaster would interrupt regular programming (or in the case of 24-hour cable networks, live reporting) to deliver the news, using graphics and distinctive music to signal the change. This is often referred to as a “newsflash” or a “Special Report”. Since the advent of 24-hour television, many stations now use special crawls during regularly scheduled programming that alert audiences to breaking news stories.
When reporting breaking news, it is important to remember that your primary responsibility is to inform the public in a responsible and accurate manner. This can be difficult when competing with other media outlets to get the story first, as well as when relying on eyewitness accounts or official statements that haven’t been verified. Consider how your team will address these challenges.
When conducting live interviews during a breaking news event, be sure to warn participants that you will not reveal their name or address on air unless they consent. Likewise, be cautious about naming injured or dead individuals on air until their families have been notified and the information is confirmed.