When something happens that a journalist considers urgent enough to interrupt regular programming and report on right away, it’s considered breaking news. Unlike scheduled news broadcasts, breaking news reports usually take place in real time and are updated continuously to reflect events as they occur. The urgency of breaking news often leads to inaccuracies, sensationalism, and the use of unconfirmed information.
There are many different kinds of breaking news stories, including natural disasters like floods and tornadoes, terrorist attacks, wars, airplane crashes, shootings, and human rights violations. These are often complex and global issues that require rapid response. Breaking news also includes weather updates and public service announcements.
Whether you’re a journalist reporting on a major event or a colleague delivering bad news to a coworker, your success in achieving the bigger objective depends on how you deliver it. If you’re a doctor, for example, that might mean getting your patient to follow their treatment plan. For a manager, it could mean ensuring the firing of an employee is conducted as peacefully as possible.
Everyone should have a breaking news plan in place. It’s a good idea to review these plans regularly and ensure they are up to date. Consider how you’ll interrupt normal programming and what criteria you’ll use to determine if an event is considered breaking news. Evaluate the impact on your community and your stakeholders. Make sure you’re prepared to provide accurate, timely information on social media and in your organization’s website. Determine if you need to notify your closed captioning provider and who should be the point person for that responsibility.
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