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A breaking news event is a significant development that requires a television or radio broadcaster to interrupt current non-news programming (and sometimes, in some cases, regularly scheduled network newscasts). The interruption will be signaled with a special graphic that begins with a countdown. Networks may also ask affiliates to “stand by” so they can switch to their feed during the countdown. Breaking news is usually reported by a single anchor, though the report can be supplemented with a reporter or analysts via satellite, phone, or other means.
Previously, breaking news was primarily used for events that required immediate, widespread coverage, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy or major natural disasters. Now, however, the phenomenon is much more common, especially among 24-hour news networks. Alert crawls and cut-ins during regular programming are also still often employed to notify viewers of urgent events. The terms “Newsflash” and “Special Report” are also used.
