Breaking news is a term used to describe urgent and developing events that require immediate reporting. This type of news often interrupts regular programming and may include eyewitness accounts, official statements, and public reactions. Breaking news often demands that journalists provide constant updates, which can cause difficulties in verifying facts and avoiding sensationalism. Social media plays a major role in how breaking news is disseminated and consumed by audiences.
When covering a breaking story, it’s important to remember that you must always be cautious and never make assumptions. Assumptions follow Murphy’s Law: “The one time you assume something it will be the one time it’s wrong.” Journalists, especially those not on the scene, must be careful not to rely too heavily on eyewitness accounts, since they can often be inaccurate. For example, when Congresswoman Giffords was shot, an eyewitness told NPR that she had died, and the information was repeated by other outlets.
Many of the world’s greatest problems are global and require collaboration between countries to resolve. War and conflict continue to be a major problem that leads to massive displacements. Climate change is also a huge issue that threatens human civilization. By 2050, the changing weather will likely cause food insecurity and reduce crop yields. This will affect the most vulnerable in society, including the elderly and children. The United Nations continues to play a key role in addressing global issues and is working toward Sustainable Development Goals to improve the quality of life for everyone on Earth.