When something unforeseen and of special urgency happens, and the ARD’s editors-in-chief see a need for fuller coverage, the ARD broadcasts a Brennpunkt, a focal point, after the main evening edition of the Tagesschau. The first Brennpunkt aired on 6 January 1971. From 1989, the title was also used for reports on crises and disasters that were arranged at short notice and without long advance announcement.