Method and apparatus for an external event ticker

An external event interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a video program, and presents ticker content when a pre-defined external event has occurred. The ticker remains rendered until the event ceases or until the viewer terminates the ticker display. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an external event item presented by the ticker or to take an action associated with the external event item.