The Use of Data in Journalism

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The Use of Data in Journalism

• Shirley S. Wang
• September 29, 2009

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Journalists Mission

• Old Gatekeeper of information
• Now Help readers make sense of it
• Verify reliability of information
• Order it so people can grasp it efficiently
• The Elements of Journalism, Bill Kovach and Tom
  Rosenstiel

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Your Mission

• Shape perception, understanding
• If not you, who?
• Attention
• Issue
• Your field
• Yourself

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Sources for Story Ideas

• Pitches
• Research studies
• News events
• Experts

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What Makes News?

• Importance
• Timeliness
• Context (new, surprising)
• Trustworthy sources

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Reporting Challenges

• Sorting through information
• Press releases
• Study
• Jargon
• Details vs. readability
• Balance?

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The Ideal Source

• Has expertise
• Clear, big picture
• Analogies, examples
• Careful, not afraid
• Available

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Working with Reporters

• Assume they want to get it right
• They dont want to surprise you
• Dont try to too sound smart
• Know you may not be quoted
• Time for follow-up
• Ask if you have questions

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Common Frustrations

• Time spent
• Different take/slant
• Overstating results
• Headlines

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Impact

• Policy
• Funding
• Practice
• Lives