Breaking news is a term used by journalists, broadcasters and publishers to indicate that an event has occurred which must be reported immediately. This can involve unexpected, time-sensitive news such as a natural disaster or a man-made emergency. Often, breaking news requires a pause in regular programming as the network feed is redirected to the event in progress and a news crawl appears on screen. It can also include the announcement of an emergency response team or a request to stand by for more information.
NPs regularly must “break bad news” to patients and families, such as when treatment options have been exhausted, an illness has reached end-of-life status or death is imminent. The best messengers prepare to deliver bad news by empathizing with the recipient, researching their history and circumstances and understanding what stake they have in the outcome of the conversation. They use a variety of techniques to communicate effectively, including the SPIKES Protocol8-10.
It is important to consider the ethics of reporting breaking news, as well. For example, if a live interview with witnesses during an emergency involves a fatality, it is not ethical to name victims on air until their family members have been informed. Journalists should also avoid speculation, as it can be incredibly damaging to people’s health.
While delivering bad news is challenging for everyone involved, it’s possible to minimize messenger blowback by shifting the dynamic of the exchange. By focusing on a bigger objective — such as a desired outcome for the patient, a desired outcome for the company or a resolution to a relationship conflict — messenger and recipient can work together toward that larger goal rather than at odds over the bad news.