Summary
This quote, often attributed to former Washington Post executive editor Philip L. Graham, suggests that news represents an initial and incomplete account of important events that shape history. Just as a rough draft sets the foundation but requires further refinement and nuance, news stories provide a preliminary understanding of significant moments. It implies that historical analysis and interpretation help fill in the gaps and provide a comprehensive narrative of the past. In essence, news acts as the primary step towards crafting a complete historical record that goes beyond what is immediately reported.