About Is It Breaking News?

Why This Project Exists

The phrase “Breaking News” has traditionally been used to identify urgent, developing, and time-sensitive events that require immediate public attention.

In recent years, many news organizations have expanded the use of the term to include stories that may be important or interesting but are not necessarily urgent or developing.

As the label becomes more common, it risks losing the meaning that once made it valuable to readers.

This project was created to encourage discussion about how the term is used and to provide a place where members of the public can evaluate whether a story truly qualifies as breaking news.

What We Do

Is It Breaking News? reviews selected stories that have been presented as breaking news and allows visitors to vote on whether the label was appropriate.

Reviews are intended to encourage discussion and transparency. They are not intended to serve as a final judgment on any news organization or journalist.

Community voting provides insight into how readers interpret the use of urgent news labels.

What We Do Not Do

• Claim to be the final authority on journalism.
• Determine whether a story is true or false.
• Review the political views of news organizations.
• Target individuals.
• Interfere with legitimate news reporting.

Our Goal

Our goal is simple:

Encourage thoughtful discussion about whether stories labeled as breaking news actually meet the standard that readers have historically associated with that term.

By creating a transparent review process and allowing public participation, we hope to promote clearer communication and a better understanding of how breaking news labels are used.

Transparency

Voting results reflect the opinions of site visitors and should not be interpreted as scientific polling or professional journalistic review.

The site exists to facilitate public discussion regarding the use of breaking news labels.

About The Site

Is It Breaking News? was created and is maintained by DW McEwing.

Hosting and technical support are provided by DW Stack.