Live news refers to streaming video of the latest breaking stories, with updates rolling in on a continuous basis. These live streams are often made available on broadcast television channels (for instance, NBC or CNN), online news sites or streaming services, and mobile apps such as Roku. Streams are often available as both standard television entertainment and dedicated news, with different content provided for each option.
The live blog format is perfect for tackling complex, or controversial, topics, as it provides immediacy and direct engagement with readers – a key driver of audience loyalty. A Q&A blog, for example, like TVNZ’s 1News, enables audiences to submit questions and receive real-time responses from experts, ensuring the coverage remains relevant. It also encourages audience participation and interaction, bolstering the sense of community around the subject matter.
With its dynamic real-time updates, a live blog can also be used for event coverage. Sky News’ Money blog exemplifies this approach, as it delivers continuous updates on financial topics from interest rates to consumer spending trends. This evergreen approach ensures the blog’s relevance and maintains consistent search optimization, attracting new readers over time.
Sports fans are always on the lookout for live updates from their favourite teams, and can be easily attracted to a live blog, where they can find detailed explanations of the events or see eyewitness testimonies. Similarly, a live blog can offer a comprehensive chronology of evolving events, like the Iceland volcano event that Sky’s live blog demonstrates – a great way to capture reader attention and interest over a long period of time.