If you're asking whether or not the Discovery News app is a "web wrapper" or an app that simply lets the user view a certain webpage, then no. I have it installed and it seems to have its own web-independent interface. The content, of course, is web-dependent.
If you're referring to the classic definition of a "web application", then no since the app doesn't need a web browser to run in.
The problem could be specific to the model of your phone, since I'm not experiencing that loading screen you're referring to in my L1020. Anyway, we're glad that your issue has been resolved. You may want to leave some constructive feedback in the store for the Discovery News app so the developers can look into the issue.