Breaking news is a term used to describe an event that warrants immediate reporting. Such events can be natural disasters, significant accidents, political developments or significant social issues. The urgency of breaking news requires journalists to report on the event as it unfolds, often interrupting regular non-news programming and requiring networks to continuously update viewers about the current status of the story.
As anyone who has delivered bad news knows, the delivery can be as difficult as the news itself. When delivering bad news, it is essential that you understand the recipient’s circumstances, history and stake in the conversation so you can deliver the message most effectively. The best messengers also take the time to empathize with the recipient and to carefully consider their own reaction to the bad news in order to anticipate and respond appropriately to their feelings.
Often times when bad news is broken, it’s delivered without proper preparation and context, leading to misinterpretation by the audience. This is particularly true for breaking news that relates to a personal or private matter, such as a job loss, death of a loved one or an unexpected pregnancy.
Even when the messenger is trying to convey bad news kindly, it can be misinterpreted. For example, the use of “corporate speak” to soften a traumatic announcement, such as “organizational realignment” rather than “mass layoffs,” can make it more difficult for people to decipher and accept the message. In fact, it can lead people to question the messenger’s motives and even to see them as the bad guy, a dynamic demonstrated by George Clooney’s character in Up in the Air.