History of Breaking news in Timeline

Breaking news refers to a current event significant enough to interrupt scheduled broadcasts for immediate reporting. It's also used for ongoing coverage of high-interest events. However, this practice sometimes faces criticism for potentially sensationalizing the news.

1938: The War of the Worlds radio drama

In 1938, an example of early news bulletins in the Golden Age of Radio included fictionalized versions in the radio drama The War of the Worlds.

1949: KTLA provides extended 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 unsuccessful attempt to rescue three-year-old Kathy Fiscus from an abandoned well.

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 interrupted regular programming.

1999: 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak leads to extended weather coverage

The 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, alongside other factors, contributed to the increased frequency of extended weather coverage on television and radio in storm-prone areas.

June 2013: WDRB criticizes overuse of 'breaking news'

In June 2013, Fox affiliate WDRB in Louisville, Kentucky, criticized the broad use of the term "breaking news", calling it a marketing ploy, and posted "Contracts" promising judicious use of the term.

2015: Financial Times suggests shrinking need for talking heads

In 2015, the Financial Times posited that advancements in technology, leading to broader news coverage, and networks increasingly using non-expert social media comments, might reduce the need for traditional 'talking heads' in news broadcasts.

2016: Pew Research and The New York Times on push notifications

In 2016, a Pew Charitable Trusts survey revealed that 55% of U.S. smartphone users received news alerts, with only 13% receiving them often. That same year, The New York Times divided its push notifications into 'Breaking News' and 'Top Stories'.

2017: Columbia Journalism Review on news app push notifications

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

2018: National Public Radio increases push notifications

In 2018, National Public Radio significantly increased its push notifications, sending both breaking news and programming information to app users, which led to mixed reactions from its audience.

June 2022: CNN adds guidance on using 'breaking news'

In June 2022, CNN chief Chris Licht added guidance to the network's style guide regarding the use of "breaking news", arguing that overuse had diminished its impact.

2022: CNN limits use of 'breaking news'

In 2022, CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht, upon assuming his position, addressed the overuse of the term "breaking news" and began limiting its use to stories of utmost importance.

2022: Social media impact on breaking news

In 2022, it was observed that social media platforms, especially Twitter, revolutionized the spread of breaking news through real-time updates from journalists and eyewitnesses.