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I noticed my local museum was starting a new exhibit, The First Draft of History. I couldn’t resist following up to learn more.

The exhibit’s theme is the history of newspapers in my community. Ah, what a clever title!

It is the 65^th anniversary of our current weekly newspaper. Each of the papers up to the current one interpreted current events and tried to make sense of what was happening at the time, without the benefit of hindsight.

My mind wandered to the truth of the title in today’s times. When I read the local paper with my morning coffee, I often find happenings that are several days old. I compare this to digital media that have made their first attempts to draft history, often while the situation is still unfolding.

There is a lot of pressure on the media to get out the stories first, or at least not too far behind the others. Consequently, stories are often prefaced with the statement that the “facts” have been, “unverified,” or have been reported by ________ quoting another news source.

Essentially, the news report states that we have no idea if what we are saying is true. Think about that for a moment. The drive to get the first draft of history before your eyes or into your ears overrides the need for confirmation from reliable sources that go on the record.

It is a difficult time for newspapers. There are many sources where we can get information about almost anything. Much of the information is opinion rather than unbiased facts. Much information is similar to the leaning tower of Pisa – no matter what direction the wind, the tower always leans in the same direction.

I’ve noticed my local daily newspaper has modified its Monday edition. It no longer has a paper copy, only a digital one. The Monday version pushes hard news and Trump stuff to page 6!

The top stories are not timely, yet they pique my curiosity. They are long reads, well-researched with credible sourcing. I look forward to Mondays as I get to read drafts of history written with more hindsight. It is quite a different reflection.

Please give this a bit of a think. What drafts of history do you read or watch? Is there a variety in the leaning of your sources? Do they reinforce your ideas? Is there an element of challenge to your thinking?

Please comment: Send me an email with your bit of a think. I am curious about your thoughts.

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