Breaking news is a term used to describe events that have the potential to disrupt the usual flow of information. This type of news requires immediate action and urgent reporting, so it interrupts regular programming on television and radio to inform the public about developments that have a direct impact on their lives. Breaking news is often sourced from reliable, diverse sources to ensure the information is accurate and objective. Unlike feature articles, which focus on deeper explanations and artistic expression, news writing prioritizes delivering verified facts in a concise, structured format.
Getting breaking news right often means taking risks to meet the public’s need for immediate updates. For example, journalists who witness a tragic event may be exposed to dangerous situations and must weigh whether to report it live to the public. This challenge can be compounded by social media, which allows people to share eyewitness accounts and reactions in real time. This can result in unverified reports that spread rapidly before they are confirmed by journalist sources, as was the case with Gabrielle Giffords’ shooting.
To mitigate this issue, it is important for organizations to develop a breaking news plan and prepare for unexpected events. Having a plan can help minimize risk and maximize efficiency by ensuring all departments are aware of their responsibility to inform the community. A plan can also reduce the need for breaking news interruptions and alert crawls during normal programing, which is especially helpful during emergency scenarios such as severe weather events.