When news happens quickly, reporters need to be able to get the word out. Whether it’s a shooting, a plane crash or a tornado, breaking news means reporting on events that are happening right now. These stories can be some of the most chaotic and difficult to cover — and they often bring out the best and worst in journalists. In the rush to be first with a story, it’s easy for journalists to make assumptions that can later prove to be wrong. This is especially true with eyewitness accounts, which can be dramatic and make for compelling copy but aren’t always reliable. Eyewitness accounts of someone dying are especially dangerous for journalists to rely on, as they can lead to inaccurate reports that could end up harming people.
To deliver breaking news, a broadcaster will typically interrupt its regular programming or a national network’s feed with a countdown sequence and a special ticker, and may change the color of the lower thirds or other graphics to convey a sense of urgency. Then, a news anchor will usually come on the air to introduce the story and its impact, while an audio clip or video may be shown of the event that is happening. Breaking news coverage has also expanded to online outlets, which can provide live updates on major events as they happen. In this way, they can fill the gap that used to be filled by radio and television networks.