rawstory.com
What Is RawStory.com
RawStory.com, often branded simply as Raw Story, is an American online news website that operates as a digital newspaper focused on politics, current events, and investigative reporting. It was founded in 2004 by John K. Byrne and is owned by Raw Story Media, Inc.
Unlike major mainstream outlets, Raw Story’s mission centers on covering stories it believes are underreported or overlooked, especially in U.S. national politics. It combines syndicated articles, aggregated content from other media, and its own original reporting. Over the years, it has broken exclusive stories that sometimes later get picked up by larger media organizations.
The website publishes news articles, investigative pieces, and opinion columns. It also has sections covering science, health, the environment, society, and culture. Its reporting tends to be strongly focused on political accountability, corruption, and social justice issues.
Raw Story is based in Washington, D.C., and is written in English for a primarily U.S. audience, although readers around the world also visit the site.
History and Evolution
Raw Story started in 2004, the brainchild of John K. Byrne, who wanted a progressive alternative to conservative-leaning news aggregators such as the Drudge Report. The early intent was straightforward: offer a platform that would catch and publish stories before larger media outlets did and highlight issues that might be neglected by mainstream journalism.
In its early years, Raw Story earned a reputation for breaking unique investigative stories, including reporting on secret CIA sites and early revelations about political controversies. It soon built a readership that appreciated its emphasis on investigative journalism and alternative angles on breaking news.
Over time, Raw Story expanded beyond just aggregation into deeper original reporting. It acquired or partnered with several other progressive platforms, including AlterNet and the New Civil Rights Movement, broadening its editorial reach.
Today the site receives millions of unique visitors each month and offers a mix of breaking news, feature reporting, and opinion writing.
Editorial Focus and Content
Raw Story positions itself as a progressive news source, which means that its editorial choices tend to lean toward liberal or left-leaning viewpoints. Its reporting often focuses on issues like political corruption, systemic injustice, and government accountability. Opinion pieces and commentary frequently critique conservative policies or figures and highlight civil liberties and social justice concerns.
The site’s content mix includes:
- Investigative journalism — In-depth stories on political or social issues.
- Breaking news — Fast coverage of events, particularly in U.S. politics.
- Opinion and analysis — Commentaries reflecting progressive perspectives.
- Aggregated reporting — Summaries and links to relevant reporting from other outlets.
Raw Story’s mission states that it aims to bring to light news that “mainstream” media outlets might miss or underplay.
Perception and Criticism
Raw Story’s political orientation has attracted both praise and criticism. Its supporters argue that it plays a vital role in diversifying media coverage, offering an alternative to dominant news narratives and highlighting issues that might otherwise be ignored.
However, media watchdogs and analysts note several challenges:
- Political bias: Independent bias ratings classify Raw Story as left-leaning or progressive, indicating editorial choices often align with liberal viewpoints.
- Fact-check errors: There have been instances where Raw Story articles required corrections after publishing inaccuracies. Some critics point to certain headlines or story framings as overly sensational or emotionally loaded.
- Echo chamber concerns: Readers who already hold strong political views might see Raw Story as reinforcing those beliefs rather than offering balanced perspectives.
Despite these critiques, Raw Story remains a widely read site with a significant online presence and an active readership that engages with its content across social platforms.
How Raw Story Compares to Other News Sources
Raw Story fits within the broader media ecosystem as a digital-first news outlet that blends original reporting with content aggregation. It is not a wire service or traditional newspaper, but rather a hybrid model that curates and produces news with a particular editorial voice.
Compared with mainstream broadcast or print outlets, Raw Story’s strengths include:
- Quick reporting on emerging issues that mainstream outlets might overlook.
- Investigative reports that sometimes predate larger media coverage.
- Strong engagement with digital audiences, especially on social media.
On the flip side, Raw Story’s editorial slant and occasional editorial presentation choices mean that readers should apply critical thinking and cross-reference with other reporting when assessing complex topics — just as with any other outlet.
Audience and Reach
Raw Story commands a substantial online audience. At various points, the site has reported millions of monthly readers, indicating strong engagement among users seeking progressive or investigative journalism. Its articles are frequently shared on social media platforms, extending its reach well beyond direct visits to the website itself.
The site publishes in English and remains primarily focused on U.S. political and social issues, though international news also appears regularly when it intersects with broader themes or interests.
Safety and Legitimacy
Independent reviews of RawStory.com indicate that the domain is legitimate, secure, and free from red-flag security issues such as phishing or malware distribution. It ranks well in online trust and safety assessments, with valid HTTPS encryption and no blacklist listings.
That said, legitimacy in terms of cybersecurity does not directly speak to editorial reliability — meaning readers should still practice standard news literacy habits like checking multiple sources for verification.
Key Takeaways
- Raw Story is a U.S.-based progressive news website focused on investigative journalism and political reporting.
- Founded in 2004 by John K. Byrne, it aims to highlight stories underreported by mainstream media.
- It blends syndicated content, aggregated news, and original reporting on national and international issues.
- The site tends to lean left or progressive in its editorial stance.
- It has a large online readership but also faces criticism over bias and occasional factual errors.
- RawStory.com is technically legitimate and secure as a website.
FAQ
Is RawStory.com a news site or a blog?
Raw Story is an online news website that publishes news, investigative reporting, and opinion pieces.
Does Raw Story have a particular political bias?
Yes. Independent media evaluators rate it as left-leaning or progressive in its editorial positioning.
Can I trust the information on Raw Story?
Like any news source, it should be read alongside other outlets. It has produced factual reporting but also faced critiques for bias and some fact-check errors.
Is Raw Story safe to visit online?
Security reviews indicate the site is legitimate and secure, with valid encryption and no major safety red flags.
How is Raw Story different from Real Raw News?
Raw Story is an established news website; Real Raw News is a known fake news site that publishes fabricated stories. They are not connected.
Post a Comment