Beforeitsnews – A Comprehensive Look at Citizen-Powered News

1. Introduction

Founded in 2008, Beforeitsnews positions itself as an open platform for “people-powered news,” where contributors from ordinary individuals to independent thinkers can publish content without editorial filters. This setup promotes inclusivity and diversity in perspectives, but also raises questions about reliability and accountability.

2. The Model: Citizen Journalism Unleashed

Citizen journalism also known as participatory or grassroots journalism empowers individuals to gather, report, and share news without relying on traditional media institutions. It emphasizes community voices and local events, filling gaps that mainstream outlets may overlook.

Beforeitsnews embodies this ethos by offering instant publishing. Contributors share stories across a broad range of topics including politics, health, spirituality, fringe science, and more.

3. Advantages of the Platform

Open Access & Diverse Voices

• Inclusivity: Anyone can register and submit stories, enabling underrepresented viewpoints to reach a global audience.

• Wide-Ranging Content: From political commentary to fringe theories, the platform’s content spectrum is broad and eclectic.

Speed and Engagement

• Rapid Publishing: Contributors can share content quickly without waiting for approval a benefit during fast-moving events.

• Community Interaction: Commenting and sharing fuel dynamic discussions, giving readers an active role.

4. Credibility Challenges and Controversy

Lack of Editorial Oversight

The platform lacks rigorous fact-checking or editorial review, making it a fertile ground for misinformation or sensational content.

Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories

Beforeitsnews has been associated with prominent false narratives, including:

• The Pizzagate conspiracy

• George Soros arrest hoaxes

• COVID-19 misinformation such as 5G-related theories
  These examples highlight the spread of dangerous, unverified content.

Ratings from Media Watchdogs

• Ad Fontes Media assigns it a “Unreliable, Inaccurate” label with a reliability score of 6.23/64, and classifies it as “Hyper-Partisan Right.”

• Media Bias/Fact Check labels it a “Questionable Source,” citing promotion of pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and poor sourcing.

• The Carter Center also mentions its role in spreading anti-vaccine propaganda, chemtrail myths, and “claptrap conspiracy claims” including election falsehoods.

Platform Affiliations

The site is owned by Chris Kitze, who also has ties to The Epoch Times, a publication similarly criticized for partisan bias raising concerns about the overarching ideological slant.

5. Audience Awareness: Navigating With Caution

If you're exploring Beforeitsnews, consider these tips:

• Cross-check stories with reputable news outlets.

• Vet authors — credible content generally includes identifiable contributors and sources.

• Spot sensational language—clickbait-style headlines often signal opinion over fact.

• Use fact-checking tools such as PolitiFact, Snopes, or FactCheck.org.

• Look for context—stories backed by research or official documents tend to be more reliable.

6. The Bigger Picture: Citizen Journalism’s Promise & Pitfalls

The rise of platforms like Beforeitsnews reflects a shift in how news is created and shared. On the upside: increased inclusivity, real-time reporting, and empowerment of marginalized voices. On the downside: lack of vetting, inconsistent quality, and the risk of misinformation.

Well-regulated alternatives like tech-focused outlets or platforms emphasizing editorial balance offer both openness and credibility.

7. Conclusion

Beforeitsnews is a vivid example of citizen journalism in the digital era one that amplifies voices across the spectrum while inviting scrutiny for its suspension of editorial checks.

It can be a compelling source of alternative insights, but readers must remain discerning: treat the platform as a starting point, not a conclusive authority. Always verify critical information through established media and vetted sources.