An unidentified, uncrewed object was shot down over Lake Huron in Michigan Sunday. ABC News’ Ike Ejiochi reports on the questions that remain unanswered.
Trending
A breaking news story, also known as a special report or news flash, is an issue of great importance that warrants interruption of regular programming in order to tell viewers the details of it. This could be a national or global event, a local crisis, or a newsworthy event within a station’s area of coverage.
The process varies depending on the medium in which it is covered, but a typical broadcast format includes an opening graphic and a voiceover that introduces the breaking news story. Typically, this is accompanied by an in-studio anchor and other graphics (such as a lower-third reading “breaking news”) designed to convey the urgency of the event.
During the coverage, information is passed on to local reporters and broadcasters at the scene of the event. This may be through video clips and photographs or a live shot from the location.
Breaking news coverage often stretches across several hours, and can be extended for days at a time (such as the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the September 11 attacks).
Networks and stations are careful to avoid repeating the same breaking news story. However, when it is deemed necessary to do so for a story of great significance, a reporter who is on the scene is usually dispatched to relay updates from the scene.
When the breaking news story ends, an anchor usually reminds viewers that there will be more details on their local newscast that day and a full wrap-up on the network’s evening or morning news program if applicable. The announcement might be a tad cheesy, but it is important to keep the viewers informed about the breaking story as it unfolds.
