Breaking news is a term for events that happen in real time and require immediate reporting. Typically, breaking news stories are urgent or significant, such as natural disasters or major accidents. In addition to the need for speed, breaking news often requires the use of eyewitness accounts and public reactions. It can also be a source of controversy, as it is difficult to verify information quickly and journalists are under pressure to report updates as soon as possible.
A breaking news story will often interrupt regular programming on television and radio. This is especially true for large or nationally significant events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy or the terrorist bombing of the Pentagon. Breaking news is typically announced with a graphic that alerts viewers and listeners of the development, followed by an anchor who covers the story live. Breaking news is also sometimes covered using a ticker or a “Newsflash” during regularly scheduled programming, which can help to reduce the number of interruptions.
One of the most important things to remember as a reporter covering breaking news is never to make assumptions about what’s happening. In the rush to be first, many media outlets report things that turn out to be wrong. Eyewitness accounts, especially from people who may be panicking or hysterical, are not always reliable and should be confirmed with authorities before being reported. This was a problem when NPR reported that Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford had died after being shot, based on unconfirmed and erroneous information from sources.