Breaking news refers to new and urgent events that happen in real time, often requiring immediate reporting. This type of news captures audiences’ attention and may interrupt regular programming as updates occur. For example, breaking news could include a developing story about a natural disaster or an accident, or it might be a tragic event, such as the death of a politician or celebrity. Unlike routine news coverage, which often allows for thorough research and fact-checking, breaking news requires journalists to report quickly and sometimes without complete information.
During times of breaking news, it is easy for reporters to make assumptions and become prone to sensationalism. It’s important for journalists to keep in mind the risk of spreading misinformation, which can have serious consequences for public safety and trust. This is especially true in cases of tragedies or ongoing investigations where victims’ privacy must be considered.
When it comes to delivering difficult news, the way in which the message is delivered makes all the difference. As multiple studies have shown, the effectiveness of a messenger can be more important than the content of the message itself. For example, if you are a manager who must fire an employee, your success in achieving the bigger objective of having the person remain calm and find another job depends on how you deliver the news, the language you use, and your level of emotional support during the interaction.
People who receive bad news tend to “shoot the messenger,” even if it isn’t the messenger’s fault. As one study shows, this happens because the person is trying to make sense of their unexpected situation and ascribes intentionality to the messenger, whether it’s an employer firing someone during a restructuring rtp or a doctor telling them they have cancer.