Breaking news is a term used to describe events that are occurring in real time and require immediate reporting. These kinds of stories can impact large numbers of people and may have implications for future events, as they are happening. News organizations must balance their need to report breaking news quickly with the responsibility for accuracy and avoiding sensationalism.
The term is also often used to refer to the interruption of normal programming by a network to broadcast an urgent news story. This is common in 24-hour news channels, and is known as a “News Alert” or a “Special Report.” A countdown is usually shown to allow affiliate stations to switch over to the new feed. This type of news coverage is typically accompanied by an audio feed from a reporter at the scene, or a voiceover that describes what is occurring and why it is significant.
Whether it is the death of a loved one, a layoff or a client cancellation, delivering bad news can be tough on both the messenger and the recipient. Studies show that how someone delivers bad news can have a significant impact on the outcome, including how much mental-emotional support the receiver receives and whether they perceive the messenger as sympathetic or uncaring.
The best way to deliver bad news is in person if possible, as face-to-face interaction allows for more nuanced communication and emotional support. However, if in-person is not an option, it is important to ensure that the conversation takes place in a private setting and that the recipient has a trusted support system nearby to help them cope with the news. Using clear and concise communication is important, as jargon can confuse or mislead the listener.
