Breaking news refers to events that are currently happening or have just happened, and require immediate reporting. Unlike regular news stories, breaking news prioritizes urgency and immediacy and often interrupts regular programming to deliver important updates. The urgency of breaking news requires journalists to gather information quickly, including eyewitness accounts and official statements. It also requires that they provide continuous updates, which may result in a story being broken into smaller segments that are broadcast or published more frequently.
A breaking news event can be anything, from a plane crash to a tornado warning. It’s the type of news that can grab attention and change the course of a day, or even a country. For example, a shooting can quickly escalate into a political crisis or global issue, such as the 2020 attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
While most people enjoy staying informed about what’s going on in the world, it can be overwhelming if media coverage is mostly negative stories. One way to keep from getting bogged down is by managing news consumption, such as by setting limits on time and by seeking out uplifting stories.
When a breaking news event occurs, the normal newscast is interrupted with a special graphic and distinctive music cue. Depending on the situation, it may be followed by a news anchor who welcomes viewers to the program and introduces the developing story. Alternatively, the network may simply switch to a countdown sequence, alerting any affiliated stations to stand by for an emergency cut-in. This approach can be less disruptive to the viewer, especially if the news is not particularly urgent or significant.