Media History as General History

I came to the realization recently that the principle reason that I study media history is that the media is the most viable and comprehensive lens through which we can view, order and articulate historical events. If we want to get to know the history of a particular social group, geographic terrain or political entity, we would do best to investigate how the media (and communication) function. Media history is the only subfield to offer a substantial view. The scientific,political and even religious histories of a community, society or nation can at best give fractured insight. Maybe this is precisely because it is through the media (and communication) that we are invited (or discouraged) to understand and engage with others.