Media Literacy

I often champion media literacy among my close friends, family, etc. But, if you can figure this bit out, please enlighten me.

The first article.

U.S. Armor Forces Join Offensive In Baghdad Against Sadr Militia
Americans Appear To Take the Lead As Iraqi Units Wait

By Sudarsan Raghavan and Sholnn Freeman
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, March 28, 2008; Page A01

BAGHDAD, March 27 --

...

Four U.S. Stryker armored vehicles were seen in Sadr City by a Washington Post correspondent, one of them engaging Mahdi Army militiamen with heavy fire. The din of American weapons, along with the Mahdi Army's AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades, was heard through much of the day. U.S. helicopters and drones buzzed overhead...

This was indeed published in the midst of the Sadrist uprising of late with some accompanying estimates as to the dead and wounded. Today the following was published.

The second article.

U.S. Appears to Take Lead in Fighting in Baghdad
U.S. Forces Battle Mahdi Army in Sadr City, Aircraft Target Basra

By Sudarsan Raghavan and Sholnn Freeman
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, April 1, 2008; 9:58 AM

BAGHDAD, March 28 --

...

Four U.S. Stryker armored vehicles were seen in Sadr City by a Washington Post correspondent, one of them engaging Mahdi Army militiamen with heavy fire. The din of U.S. weapons, along with the Mahdi Army's AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades, was heard through much of the day. U.S. helicopters and drones buzzed overhead.

So, I see that it was filed on the 28^th and that surely accounts for the nearly identical early narrative and language. But still, it concludes with, er, estimates as to the dead and wounded, and not a statement to the fact that the Sadrists have called off the revolt inspite of the fact that 'additional reporting' was provided by a number of people likely in the DC office.

What's the process here?

And yes, I know what a wire service report is. I read them (AFP mostly). Is WaPo a wire service? Now?

It's hard to see this as a wire service report...it's certainly not timely (note the 3 day delay in filing and publishing!).