Breaking news is the term used to describe events that are happening right now or have just occurred, and that demand immediate attention from audiences. These events may include natural disasters, major accidents, or significant political or social issues that are rapidly developing. They often interrupt regular programming and may require continuous updates, which are largely based on eyewitness accounts or official statements. Social media is playing a major role in how breaking news stories are reported and consumed by audiences.
While there are many benefits to quick reporting on breaking news, it can also present ethical challenges. For example, when reporters are under pressure to deliver instantaneous updates, they can sometimes overlook important details or fall into the trap of sensationalism. They must also be careful not to disclose the names of injured or deceased people before their loved ones have been notified.
It’s important for journalists to follow the mantra “never assume.” When covering a breaking news event, especially one you haven’t witnessed firsthand, never speculate. It’s Murphy’s law that the one time you assume something, it will be wrong. In addition, when interviewing eyewitnesses, always confirm their information with authorities. Eyewitness accounts are dramatic and make for compelling copy, but they’re not necessarily reliable. The NPR report on the Giffords shooting, for instance, was based on an eyewitness account that turned out to be false.
Finally, it’s important to evaluate your organization’s policy on how to handle breaking news. Should it be covered immediately, or should the team wait until it can be fully vetted? How should the story be handled on social media and on air, including news crawls? And how does your organization plan to notify the closed captioning company to ensure that people with hearing impairments aren’t missing critical information?