History of Breaking news in Timeline

Breaking news, also referred to as late-breaking news, a special report, special coverage, or a news flash, refers to a current event important enough to interrupt scheduled programming to report the details. News broadcasters also use the term for continuing coverage of events of broad interest to viewers. However, this practice sometimes attracts accusations of sensationalism.

1938: The War of the Worlds radio drama

In 1938, the radio drama 'The War of the Worlds' included fictionalized news bulletins as part of its broadcast.

1949: KTLA covers 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 three-year-old Kathy Fiscus from an abandoned well in San Marino, California.

1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy

In 1963, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy was an example of an extremely urgent news event that warranted programming interruptions before the advent of 24-hour news networks.

1999: 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak

The 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, along with other severe weather events in the 1990s, led to more frequent extended weather coverage on television and radio in storm-prone areas in North America. There was a heightened sense of urgency to advise those in the storm's path to take safety precautions in advance.

June 2013: WDRB Criticizes Overuse of 'Breaking News'

In June 2013, Fox affiliate WDRB in Louisville, Kentucky, gained attention for a promo criticizing the excessive use of the term "breaking news," labeling it a "marketing ploy." They also posted "contracts" promising judicious use of the term.

2015: Financial Times suggests talking heads may be shrinking

In 2015, the Financial Times posited that the role of traditional 'talking heads' in news broadcasting might be diminishing due to technological advancements that broaden news coverage and the increasing use of non-expert social media comments by news networks.

2016: Pew Research: Mobile News Consumption

In 2016, a Pew Charitable Trusts survey revealed that 55% of U.S. smartphone users received news alerts, with only 13% receiving them frequently. The New York Times also split its push notifications into "Breaking News" and "Top Stories".

2017: Study: News App Notifications

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

2018: NPR increases push notifications

In 2018, National Public Radio (NPR) significantly increased its push notifications, notifying app users about both breaking news and programming information, which elicited mixed reactions from its audience.

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

In June 2022, CNN chief Chris Licht added guidance to the network's style guide regarding the use of "breaking news," emphasizing that overuse had diminished its impact and that the focus should be on informing rather than alarming viewers.

2022: CNN to limit use of "breaking news"

In 2022, CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht, upon assuming his position, addressed the overuse of the term "breaking news" by limiting its use to stories of utmost importance, as it had lost its impact on the audience.