Shortly before 5pmET, the cable news networks turned their attention to breaking news that Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has died from cancer.

Bloomberg TV’s Trish Regan reported Chavez’s death at 4:53pmET. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer followed at 4:55pmET, sourcing Venezuela television. MSNBC’s Martin Bashir was next at 4:57pmET, reporting that NBC News had confirmed Chavez’s death. Fox News’ Andrea Tantaros reported the news at the top of “The Five,” with the network getting independent conformation at 5:04pmET. Shepard Smith took over anchoring for FNC at 5:12pmET.

>Update: FNC went back to the “The Five” at 5:23pmET.