The Isle of Wight’s leading news website is this week celebrating a major milestone – the publication of 10,000 breaking news stories.
Breaking news has been a staple of Island Echo since Day 1, covering the work of the Island’s emergency services in dealing with crashes, fires and other incidents. The term ‘breaking news’ also covers significant stories such as notable court results, exclusive investigations and the Island’s troublesome transport.
Almost 11 years after first launching, Island Echo has now published a total of 10,025 stories in the breaking news category.
It’s not the only milestone to be hit this week… the total number of articles published on the website has hit the 40,000 mark, meaning around a quarter of all stories published by Island Echo relate to breaking news. This remains a staple of our news output with a growing emphasis on sport and community stories.
All 40,000 stories remain online for readers to browse free of charge.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher, explains:
“Publishing breaking news isn’t as straightforward as one may think. In order to keep Islanders informed with the very latest, we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have done for over a decade now. We’ve built up strong relationships with the different services and have spent many an hour exploring tip offs we receive from eagle-eyed readers.
“For every breaking news story you see I’d say we have most likely investigated at least 1 other which hasn’t led to the publication of an article, but still takes time and fuel to explore.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are always looking for that next big story. We operate evening and weekend rotas between the team to ensure we continue to remain in a state of readiness to bring you the very latest, no matter the time of day, the location or the weather conditions.
“Nowadays the term ‘breaking news’ is used a lot locally, but when Island Echo first launched it was something only really used by Sky News! I think it’s safe to say that 40,000 articles later we’ve cemented our position as the go-to source for Island news and lead the way, especially as our competitors alter the way they work”.
Recent expansion of the editorial team – which now boasts 4 journalists – allows for more news to be covered than ever before. This year it is anticipated that no fewer than 6,000 news articles will be published on www.islandecho.co.uk.
Congratulations.
Keep the stories coming – and thank you all at the Echo.
A fantastic news medium for the Island.
Seriously concerned that the new proposals being considered will ruin the format forever though.
Well done to the team, and the public feedback is one of the nicest things about this site, as it , when not over edited gives a true reflection of what the public REALLY feel, rather than having a perhaps more skewed view of an article if no ‘feedback’ is given by the public.
Love the site despite many insults I get.
Tarmac it, after all, that’s your favourite saying, and you love slagging off the greenest form of public transport we have on the island
Ive searle uses the comments section as a soapbox to spout nonsense and evil ideas. I would be happy to see the end of the comments section just to end Ive searle’s stream of bile.
This site is excellent for news and views. It becomes an everyday read essential to know of issues on the Island and interesting to read what others say re the rapidly delivered news articles.
Truly an asset to us all
Congratulations and well done to you all.