The royal soap opera may make news, but it’s not history

History is ‘significant events' including 'those that resulted in great change over long periods of time for large numbers of people'—and the recent ratings-grabbing interview doesn't meet the threshold.

Following an interview with Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry, there have been calls for Canada to ditch the monarchy, presided over by the Queen. The decision to have a Canadian head of state should be based on substantive reasons, none of which have to do with a TV interview in a foreign country. Anyone who would switch because of a TV show is no ally to the republican cause in Canada, nor a student of history. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Opinion

BY ANDREW CADDELL

March 17, 2021

MONTREAL—What makes news? The best explanation I was ever given came from two experienced journalists at a seminar in Vancouver in the early 90s. They outlined the issues editors examined to decide a headline and boiled them down to four criteria: money, action, conflict, emotion...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy