Breaking news is a developing story that is significant or urgent, usually one that requires immediate reporting. Unlike normal news coverage that may have time for in-depth investigation and fact checking, breaking news stories are often characterized by the need to report information quickly. This urgency can sometimes lead to misinformation or sensationalism, and it can challenge journalists to balance the need for speed with their obligation to verify information and avoid falsehoods.
During a breaking news event, reporters may be obligated to interrupt regular programming to broadcast or publish updates on the story as it develops. This is common for severe weather events, which historically prompted networks to interrupt non-news programming with cut-ins and news crawls, and it is also used for other types of breaking news. Often, the break will begin with a distinctive graphics and music cue that signals a change in programing. If the news event is of national significance, a countdown sequence may be displayed on the screen to give affiliates time to switch to the network feed.
In addition to determining whether a breaking news event should interrupt regular programing, managers should consider what kinds of information will be covered. For example, what is the public most interested in learning? How can the organization provide this information in a way that is respectful of the victims and their families? For example, a journalist may want to caution their audience not to use names of injured or dead people on air before loved ones have been notified.