Coverage in real time; event happening as we are watching.
Events are rapidly changing and/or developing right before our eyes.
The story impacts the majority of viewers either politically, socially, or personally.
A reporter/news team is physically on the scene with a microphone, a video camera, Skype, and has access to a credible information source.
The story involves some type of significant tragedy, death, serious accident, trauma, or major political/social announcement that would create a turn-of-event moment impacting history.
In Chronological Order:
The Iran Hostage Crisis - At that point in time, the story had more extensive coverage on television and in the press than had any other event since WWII; 52 American were taken hostage at the US Embassy in Tehran; the ordeal lasted for 444 days. [11/4/79 - 1/20/81]
The Persian Gulf War aka Operation Desert Storm - The first US war since the Vietnam War ended in 1972 produces images of war battle that were seen by a generation for the first time. [2/28/91]
The OJ Simpson Bronco Chase - Speeding down the highways of Los Angeles, it was Hollywood theater at its best, as camera shots were close enough to have captured live, the suicide of OJ in the moving truck, had he pulled the trigger. [6/17/94]
Terrorist Attacks of the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA - Iconic images of the falling towers are forever etched in our minds, revealing a vulnerability never seen in American culture. [9/11/01]
The Beltway Snipers Random Shootings of 13 people in the Washington, DC metro area over a 21-day period - The case broke in the wee hour of the morning when a picture of one of the suspects was aired for the first time, revealing an African-American former Army marksman. [10/2002]
The Iraq War aka "Shock-n-Awe" Bombing of Baghdad - Never before seen compelling and spectacular video feed of the bombing of Baghdad in real time, resembling a light show. [5/20/03]
Hurricane Katrina - The mix of shock and anger over the massiveness of the hurricane, race and class implications, lawlessness, and inept government response elevated the significance of this television event to heights never before witnessed, even by the reporters on the scene; 1,833 were killed. [8/28/05]
The Sago Mine Disaster in West Virginia - 13 dead, one survivor; over a two-day period it was an edge-of-your-seat ordeal not knowing if they were alive or dead. [1/2/06]
The Virginia Tech Massacre - the largest mass murder at a school in American history; for 2 hours, it was unknown that two scenes were connected to a lone gunman who killed 32 people then himself; the tragedy heightened to controversy over gun laws, access, and mental health stability. [4/16/07]
The Death of Michael Jackson - The confirmation of his death by family members at a press conference a few hours later, put to rest all denial that his death wasn't true, ranking as one of the most shocking moments in media history around the world. [6/28/10]
The Uprising in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt - The witnessing of the birth of democracy, bravery, and determination of a people in real time was a very emotional and moving moment in world history. [2/2/11]
The Tragic Death of Whitney Houston - The juxtaposition of her dead body laying in the same hotel where a party in her honor was to be held that same evening stunned viewers, creating a conflict about appropriately grieving, yet honoring the dead; the speculation around cause of death further sensationalized this tragic story. [2/14/12]
Honorable Mentions:
The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy - The first time a sitting president had been murdered in modern times, witnessed by many during a presidential motorcade ride through Dallas, Texas. [11/22/63]
The Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - This news ripped through the soul of our nation, particularly the African-American community, some of whom regarded Dr. King as a spiritual leader and savior who would alter the conscience of the American people. [4/4/68]
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