Breaking news refers to a news event which warrants immediate and continuous coverage. The event is usually reported by a network newscast, but may also be reported by individual stations that are not part of a national network. When breaking news occurs, the station will interrupt regular programming and announce that they are going to go live with a special report. A national network may provide their own dedicated feed for affiliates, which is often accompanied by a countdown sequence to allow those affiliated stations that wish to switch to the break to do so. The network will usually then use a graphic and distinctive music cue to announce the special report and to alert viewers that an interruption of regular programming is occurring. For examples of breaking news, see the articles on this page.