How I Write About Breaking News Without Burning Out
Breaking news doesn’t have to break you.
There’s a certain chaos that comes with breaking news. Phones buzzing, tabs multiplying, sources contradicting each other. You’re trying to make sense of it all while staying fast enough to matter.
I used to think covering breaking news meant being on 24/7 — that if I wasn’t the first to tweet or post, I was already behind. That mindset almost broke me.
Now, I work differently. I don’t chase every headline. I track the patterns behind them.
When a story breaks, I do three things immediately:
Pause. I take a minute before posting anything. That pause has saved me from spreading bad info more than once.
Scan. I check official statements, cross-reference at least two credible outlets, and skim what political actors are saying on social. Not for quotes — for framing.
Simplify. I write down what this story actually means for people, not politicians. That becomes my lead.
I don’t aim to be the loudest voice in the room. I aim to be the clearest.
Most people forget that news moves fast, but clarity lasts. I’d rather file one strong, verified piece than five rushed ones that fall apart a day later.
Here’s the truth: burnout in journalism isn’t just about hours. It’s about noise. When you drown in it, you stop hearing yourself think. That’s when the work loses its soul.
So I’ve built small habits that keep me sane:
I mute trending hashtags until I finish my first draft.
I schedule breaks. Even five minutes away from the screen.
I remind myself that my readers don’t need me to post first. They need me to get it right.
If you’re someone trying to report, write, or just stay informed without losing your mind, then this is the balance. Stay curious. And remember that even in breaking news, silence for a second can be your strongest tool.
— Brandon