What is 'Breaking News'? Is it really 'Breaking'? Is every news 'Breaking' news?

What is 'Breaking news'? Is it really 'breaking'?

Is every news 'Breaking' news?

Well the words ‘Breaking news’ are important! But let us understand the word ‘Breaking’ that precedes the word ‘news’.

Breaking news is the news (or a part of it) reported about a significant event/incident as it unfolds, or is happening at that moment.

It is not ‘breaking’ to report something after an event has already happened, and it is over.

Some news channels, just to keep up the TRP, use the word ‘Breaking’ before every ‘news’!

(BTW, TRP stands for Television Rating Point)

Thus the word ‘Breaking’ has become a cliché.

Also the time factor is important. Normal standards in journalism state that the news should not be more than an hour old. Also what is 'breaking' changes from region to region.

So let us understand when should the word ‘Breaking’ actually follow the word ‘News’.

Suppose it is the World Cup Cricket final match at the Wankhede (Mumbai).

India is chasing a target to win the trophy, and become a World Champion.

Now, this event is unfolding, and is happening (in progress). So now if at a crucial stage India loses a wicket, and the news channels show it as a ‘Breaking News’ (more like a latest update!) it is acceptable.

Conclusion:

Understand that ‘Breaking’ is bringing the latest about an incident which is currently (and that stage) developing or happening.

Cheers!