Breaking news is a term used to describe events that are occurring or have just occurred, and are considered to be important and urgent. The immediacy of breaking news often requires that journalists report on the event as it unfolds rather than following a pre-scheduled broadcast, and may involve immediate updates and eyewitness accounts. This type of reporting can have significant impacts on audiences, and it raises unique ethical considerations for journalists.
When covering breaking news, it’s essential to always confirm information with authorities and to never “leap to conclusions.” For example, in the aftermath of a mass shooting, reporters are prone to assume that someone is dead when they see an image or witness a person lying motionless on the ground. This is a dangerous assumption to make, and it can lead to erroneous reports. For instance, NPR incorrectly reported that Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords had died in her hospital room after a shooting, based on a telephone call from a panicked bystander.
Television broadcasters interrupt regular programming to air breaking news, and typically begin the segment with a countdown sequence that alerts affiliate stations to switch over to a network feed. Similarly, websites will typically have a special breaking news section where updates are displayed with a red alert and a headline that reads: “Breaking News”. During breaking news coverage, lower thirds and other graphics can be altered to convey urgency. Social media platforms also play a significant role in how breaking news is disseminated, as they allow audiences to receive real-time updates and share their own perspectives on the developing story.