History of Breaking news in Timeline

Breaking news, also known as late-breaking news, special reports, or news flashes, refers to current events that are significant enough to interrupt scheduled broadcasts for immediate reporting. News broadcasters utilize this term for ongoing coverage of events deemed highly interesting to viewers. However, this practice has been criticized for potential sensationalism.

1938: The War of the Worlds Radio Drama

In 1938, The War of the Worlds radio drama included fictionalized news bulletins, serving as an early example of this format during the Golden Age of Radio.

1949: KTLA Coverage of Kathy Fiscus Rescue Attempt

From April 8 to 9, 1949, KTLA in Los Angeles provided 27½ hours of live television coverage of the attempt to rescue Kathy Fiscus, who had fallen down an abandoned well, marking the first extended breaking news coverage on television.

1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy

In 1963, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy prompted programming interruptions for urgent news, a practice that was rare before the advent of 24-hour news networks.

1999: Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak

The 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, along with other severe weather events, heightened the urgency for extended weather coverage when high-end alerts are issued.

2006: Sago Mine Disaster

During the Sago Mine disaster in 2006, initial reports inaccurately stated that 12 of the 13 miners were found alive; it was later learned that only one survived.

June 2013: WDRB Criticizes Overuse of 'Breaking News'

In June 2013, Fox affiliate WDRB in Louisville, Kentucky, gained attention for a promo criticizing the broad and constant use of the 'breaking news' term, labeling it a 'marketing ploy.' WDRB also posted 'Contracts' with its viewers, promising judicious use of the term.

2015: Financial Times Suggests Shrinking Need for Talking Heads

In 2015, the Financial Times proposed that the demand for talking heads might be diminishing due to technological advancements expanding news coverage and networks favoring livelier, non-expert commentary from social media.

2016: Pew Research on Smartphone News Alerts; New York Times Splits Push Notifications

In 2016, the Pew Charitable Trusts found that 55% of U.S. smartphone users received news alerts, with only 13% receiving them 'often.' Also in 2016, The New York Times divided its push notifications into 'Breaking News' and 'Top Stories', mirroring a change made to its email lists.

2017: Columbia Journalism Review Study on News App Notifications

In 2017, a Columbia Journalism Review study revealed that 43% of news apps' push notifications were not related to breaking news.

2018: National Public Radio Increased Push Notifications

In 2018, National Public Radio significantly increased its push notifications, informing app users about both breaking news and programming information, which received mixed reactions from the audience.

June 2022: CNN Adds Guidance on 'Breaking News' Use

In June 2022, CNN, under Chris Licht, added guidance to its style guide regarding the use of 'breaking news,' arguing its overuse had diminished its impact and emphasizing truthfulness over alarm.

2022: Chris Licht Addresses CNN's Use of 'Breaking News'

In 2022, upon becoming CNN chairman and CEO, Chris Licht limited the use of the term 'breaking news' at CNN to only stories of utmost importance, noting its overuse had diminished its impact.