# NewsBreak's Decline: From Promise to Pitfall in Local Journalism
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Chapter 1: The Rise of NewsBreak
NewsBreak initially captured attention in November 2020, attracting many writers with its enticing contributor program that offered a bonus of $1,000 for new members. During this time, excitement buzzed within the Medium community, prompting many to apply for the platform.
Applicants underwent a review process by the editorial team, and upon approval, they were expected to publish between 10 to 13 articles monthly to qualify for the signing bonus, which lasted for three months. However, the platform's trajectory shifted dramatically after this promising start.
Section 1.1: Shift in Content Focus
At its inception, NewsBreak allowed a wide array of content, ranging from news articles to self-help pieces that writers may have previously published elsewhere. Yet, the platform soon pivoted towards a focus on local content within the United States.
In October 2021, after several rejections from the initial application, I finally joined NewsBreak. Within a week, I amassed 100 followers and gained entry into the partner program, enabling me to monetize my content. Earnings were based on RPM (revenue per 1,000 views). For instance, an article with 125K views at an RPM of 4 would yield $500, which was quite appealing and encouraged many independent journalists to join.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Appeal of Short-Lived Content
Section 1.2: Cracks in the Revenue Model
While NewsBreak's platform allowed for rapid content dissemination, it also exhibited a concerning trend of short-lived articles. I discovered that weather forecasts were particularly popular and suited this model well, generating substantial income during December 2021. However, by January of the following year, the RPM rates began to plummet, dropping from ranges of 4 to 10 down to a mere 0.01 to 0.1.
Even previously successful articles with 100K views faced revenue deductions. This shift led to the exodus of many well-known writers, such as Matt Lillywhite, from the platform.
Chapter 2: Editorial Challenges and Content Bias
The first video titled "Hunting Child Predators | My Life Online" sheds light on the challenges faced by content creators in various online platforms, paralleling the struggles experienced by NewsBreak writers.
Section 2.1: Content Approval Woes
Numerous articles I submitted faced rejection due to claims of "biased content," primarily referring to opinion pieces. This rejection policy created anxiety among writers, who feared potential content strikes could lead to removal from the partner program.
Moreover, many articles were declined with vague feedback, adding to the frustration writers experienced when trying to gain approval.
Wrapping Things Up
Unless NewsBreak addresses its RPM issues and revises its editorial policies, the platform will likely continue to deter writers who once saw great potential. Initially, I believed it would revolutionize online writing, providing ample opportunities for independent journalists globally. However, it appears that such a vision is not on the horizon anytime soon.
The second video, "Full Trump Interview: 'I don't consider us to have much of a democracy right now,'" provides insights into the current climate of media and journalism, further contextualizing the challenges faced by platforms like NewsBreak.