sad news; tragic report
General term for news that brings sorrow or disappointment. Often used in contrast to 朗報 (good news).
Hearing the sad news, she broke down in tears.
news of a death; death notice
Specifically refers to news that someone has passed away. Often used in formal or solemn contexts.
Sad news arrived that my mentor had passed away.
朗報と悲報が同時に届いた。
Good news and sad news arrived at the same time.
Everyone was at a loss for words at the sudden news of his death.
He was at a loss for words upon receiving the sudden sad news.
Upon learning the sad news of my friend's death, I was deeply grieved.
During the game, sad news came in that a teammate had been injured.
知らせ is a neutral, everyday word for news or a notice of any kind, whereas 悲報 specifically implies the news is sad or tragic.
Compound of 悲 (sad, sorrowful) and 報 (report, news). The reading is on'yomi.