Breaking news is an urgent story that has just happened, or is about to happen. This type of news requires immediate reporting and is often fluid, meaning that new developments can change the story dramatically even minutes after it initially breaks. Breaking news is often the source of news alerts, which are used to interrupt current non-news programming or regularly scheduled newscasts in order to deliver immediate updates on a developing story. Breaking news stories may also prompt a live report from an anchor on location, or a special feature segment, which can be aired during regular programming.
While it’s important to break the news fast, journalists need to balance this with their responsibility to tell the truth and avoid sensationalism. For example, eyewitness accounts of events such as shootings can be dramatic and compelling but aren’t always reliable. Depending on where the information is coming from, it’s also easy for reporters to fall into the trap of making assumptions about what they think they know. For example, when Gabby Gifford was shot, it was widely reported that she had died, based on a single erroneous account from NPR.
When it comes to breaking news, the key is to be able to evaluate the situation quickly and determine what is most relevant to your community. Develop a breaking news plan that includes how you will provide the public with accurate information across all platforms. It’s also a good idea to discuss how you will handle rumors and speculation so that your team can be prepared for these types of situations.