For more context and news coverage of the most important stories of our day, click here:
» Subscribe to NBC News:
» Subscribe to Here’s the Scoop podcast:
Every day, NBC News helps people understand what’s happening and why it matters — through fact-based reporting, meaningful conversations, and powerful stories. From its leading news broadcasts — TODAY, NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press, and Dateline — to NBC News NOW, the 24/7 streaming news channel, plus chart-topping podcasts, the NBC News app, and NBCNews.com, NBC News keeps audiences informed and connected to the stories shaping our world.
Connect with NBC News Online!
NBC News App:
Breaking News Alerts:
Visit NBCNews.Com:
Find NBC News on Facebook:
Follow NBC News on Twitter:
Follow NBC News on Instagram:
Trending
When a news event is so significant that it warrants an interruption of the regular programming of national network affiliates, a special report, or “Newsflash”, may be broadcast. These reports can last a few minutes or continue for several hours or even days. The breaking news is typically introduced by an anchor, followed by an in-depth analysis of the story from analysts in-studio or via phone, satellite, or broadband (B-GAN). Depending on the urgency of the story, lower thirds and other graphics may be overlaid on regular programming during the break. Historically, programming interruptions were reserved for highly urgent news events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, but these breaks have become more common at 24-hour news networks.
