In journalism, breaking news refers to any news event that happens right away and needs immediate coverage. It may include sudden events like a fire or an accident, or it could be the first report of a major crime. News writers should be quick to react, but also accurate and thorough.

When reporting on breaking news, remember to follow Murphy’s Law: The one time you assume something is true, it will be wrong. Never speculate or use quotes from eyewitnesses without verifying them with police, emergency services, or other reliable sources. Eyewitness accounts can be dramatic and tempting to print, but they can also be unreliable – for example when NPR incorrectly reported that Gabby Giffords was dead, based on an eyewitness quote about her being slumped in the corner and bleeding.

It’s important to know your audience and provide them with the information they want. If a story is too dramatic, it may not engage readers or make sense, while a minor detail about an event can help set the context and add depth to an article.

Whenever possible, use a standard style guide for your writing, such as the AP Style Guide, which is widely recognized and accepted across journalism. Double-check all facts, especially if you are using direct quotes or paraphrasing, and cite where you found your information (e.g., an interview, court documents, government data, a web site). It’s also important to have a good contact list of people who can quickly get you the latest information in the field.