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Draft Quote by Harold Evans

“Journalism is not easy. It's the first rough draft. I don't think you need to wait around until you have the definitive thing. You record what's there; don't delude yourself that this is the ultimate historical view.” quote by Harold Evans
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“Journalism is not easy. It's the first rough draft. I don't think you need to wait around until you have the definitive thing. You record what's there; don't delude yourself that this is the ultimate historical view.”

Harold Evans

About This Quote

Source Book: The Best of Journalism, Harold Evans, 1998

Journalism captures the present imperfectly, serving as a provisional record rather than final truth.

In simple terms: Journalism is a rough, provisional record.

Key Takeaway

Embrace imperfection and keep reporting.

Themes

journalism truth imperfection

Mood

reflective serious

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • newsroom reporting
  • documentary filmmaking
  • academic research
  • personal blogging

Key Concepts

media ethics historical relativism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify provisional reports?
  • What responsibilities arise from acknowledging uncertainty?
A Different Perspective

It may mislead if taken as absolute truth.

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