Breaking news is a developing story that needs to be reported immediately. It can be a disaster such as a fire, a plane crash or something more personal, like someone being laid off from their job. Breaking news is difficult for both the people telling and receiving the bad news. It’s important to have a plan in place to deliver the news and to be prepared for how it will impact your audience.
When an event occurs that requires immediate attention, the national networks will often interrupt their regular programming and go live with breaking news coverage. They may also notify their affiliates and ask them to stand by.
The news desks are staffed with writers and producers who are constantly monitoring events around the world. Once the breaking news story has been established, planners will begin work on follow-up segments – interviews with witnesses or experts, graphic overlays etc.
Reporters reporting on breaking news must be able to rapidly verify facts and not speculate in order to maintain accuracy. This requires a combination of skills that takes time to develop. The best news reporters know how to empathize with their audience, do their homework and be able to calmly communicate the latest developments.