Breaking news is an urgent event that requires immediate reporting to keep the public informed. These events can be natural disasters, political upheavals, or other major incidents that are considered significant enough to interrupt normal programming. Unlike regular news reporting, which can allow time for thorough research and fact-checking, breaking news usually demands that journalists report quickly so they can inform audiences as developments happen. This urgency often results in incomplete stories that are updated continuously as new information becomes available.
In the past, if an event occurred that warranted breaking news coverage, television and radio stations would typically interrupt non-news or regularly scheduled programming with a “News Alert” or a special break in which the network feed is temporarily paused and a countdown sequence appears to allow affiliated stations to switch over to the live news broadcast. Breaking news is often identified by a distinctive opening graphic and a unique music cue.
Digital platforms have transformed how breaking news is disseminated, allowing for rapid sharing of eyewitness accounts and public reactions to events. This can sometimes cause challenges in verifying information as it spreads and leads to rumors that must be addressed by journalists.
It is also important for breaking news teams to prepare ahead of time when an emergency occurs. Having an emergency news plan in place will help ensure the organization can serve its community with accurate and complete information while following RTDNA ethics and professional standards. This includes being sure to notify the closed captioning company so they can immediately provide services when needed.