Breaking news is a term used to describe an urgent, developing story. These events typically require immediate coverage and updates, which can add a great deal of pressure when working on a deadline. The urgency of breaking news may also raise issues about the need for accuracy and how sensationalism is handled.
When a breaking news story occurs, the team should have a plan in place to ensure they can deliver accurate and timely information on all platforms. This can help them to avoid becoming part of the story or adding to the public’s confusion. It is important to identify the impact of the event and how it could affect audiences. It is also helpful to consider how the event may affect the community as a whole.
When breaking bad news, it is easy to fixate on your own experience and how you are going to get through the exchange. However, the most effective messengers take time to empathize with the recipient and consider their circumstances, history and stake in the situation. They use all of this to tailor their approach in the most compassionate and effective way possible.
During breaking news situations, the first thing that should be done is to identify the key elements of the story and determine what needs to be reported immediately. This is often the most difficult task for a journalist as they must balance the need to inform the public with the need to provide factual information and avoid speculation. It is also important to remember that names of those involved in a tragedy should only be used once relatives have been notified.