Breaking news is the term for important events that occur or have just happened, and require immediate reporting. Unlike regular news coverage, breaking stories are often unpredictable and can take on a life of their own, affecting the public in unexpected ways. Because of the urgency, they typically prioritize speed over accuracy, leading to frequent updates as new information becomes available.
The term is used to refer to a story that catches the public’s attention or requires immediate reporting, such as a fire, explosion, car crash, natural disaster, terrorist attack, or political upheaval. The immediacy of breaking news usually means that a television program or other media outlet interrupts its normal programming and begins live coverage of the event. The urgency of a breaking story can also lead to false or misleading reports, making it especially challenging for journalists to balance the need for accuracy with the audience’s desire for real-time information.
For example, some eyewitness accounts of a shooting can be highly dramatic and suggest that the victim has died when they have not. For this reason, it is essential that all sources are vetted and verified before going live with them. Additionally, it is important that the team prepare names and contact information for experts in a variety of fields who can be placed on air quickly to provide context. This will ensure that the audience has access to the information they need without causing unnecessary alarm or panic.