'Breaking news'

There are many media outlets who use the term 'breaking news' quite loosely.

I've seen other stations come on at 4/5/6 with the bells and whistles and the 'breaking news' banner for a story which actually occurred at 1030am!

Today, there was legitimate 'breaking news.'

We've been following the Lamidi Kafaru trial from the beginning. In fact, for me, it seems like only yesterday when I heard the fateful call over the scanners of an officer shot and heard Officer Owens speaking on his portable radio.

Well, today, the jury came back with a verdict. It's been a long waiting game. Not just for the media but the families involved, the defense, the prosecution and the Cleveland Police brother/sisterhood.

Throughout the day, when we are not in the courtroom, we make periodic checks to the bailiff and the prosecutor. Sure enough, today the big call came. The jury reached a verdict around 330pm and that is when all wheels were set into motion. I dispatched our night reporter Dave Summers and Craig Roberson initially. As backup for our team coverage, I sent Paul Thomas and Mark Smilor (who had to grab and take the pool gear in order to plug in and record the court proceedings. Another station was the pool camera). Then I sent Dan Medsker to run the live truck.

Everyone in the newsroom who needed to be notified including our web folks were notified in Danielle fashion where I stand up and project to anyone in earshot that there is a verdict and here is who I am sending. It may be primitive but it is quick, to the point, faster than a memo or email and gets the job done!!

Again, we wait. From the time we were notified, it took about an hour and a half to assemble everyone in the courtroom and start proceedings.

The jury convicted Kafaru of aggravated murder (guilty on 2 of the 3 aggravated murder charges). He is eligible to receive the death penalty. This story is far from over but another chapter has been recorded today.

So, in reality, by the time our news show started, this WAS breaking news because it had just happened. The fresh information had just been released. Our crews in the field were feverishly working to gather all the information and sound they could, edit it in the field, and turn it around to use during the live shots within our live shows.

And, hence, a correct use of the term 'breaking news!'