Breaking News NOT

The Idaho Statesman has a funny definition of breaking news. A Costco opening in Nampa is considered breaking news.

Was the date just announced today? Okay, I could see doing a story on it, but mid-day Breaking news? I mean exactly how much advance notice do Nampans need to line up outside of Costco?

For the Statesman online people, here’s a simple guide to Breaking News:

-Breaking News:

Serious Criminal Indictment or Conviction
Natural Disaster or Serious Traffic Accident
Assassination Attempt on Elected Official
Depending on the Content, Speech by Official
Visit by Major Dignitary (i.e. The President, Pope, or Dalai Lama.)

-Not Breaking News:
A Store Opening In 2 weeks.
A Recipe for a Cold Drink
Its Hot

It’s a general guideline, but just simply ask yourself which category your headline is more like. Of course, the Statesman may prefer to be known as a little boy who cries, “Wolf” or “Breaking News” all the time until we get to the point where we simply ignore them.

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