Breaking news is a story that happens in real-time and requires immediate reporting. It often interrupts regular programming on television or radio and is usually announced with a special graphic or title, such as “Newsflash” or “Special report.” The term is also used for stories that are developing, or those that are unexpected or significant developments in already reported events.

The first paragraph of a breaking news article typically provides context for the new development and how it relates to the bigger picture. This is referred to as the “nut graph” and it answers the reader’s questions about who, what, when, where, and why. It is the most important information in a breaking news story and is often presented at the top of the piece.

When writing a breaking news story, it is important to avoid speculation or erroneous information. Eyewitness accounts are dramatic and make compelling copy, but they should be confirmed with officials as soon as possible. Even respected news organizations can sometimes get a fact wrong in the race to be the first to report a story, as illustrated by NPR’s erroneous report that Gabrielle Giffords had died after her shooting.

When a story is breaking, it should be written in the third person. This helps readers understand that the information is coming from a source that can be trusted to tell the truth. However, it’s acceptable to use a first name or initials in the lead when necessary to add a human face to an otherwise impersonal story.