Data Journalism: Dig the Data

It’s obvious that journalism is vital in informing the public of current events, news and global issues. Of course it is, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this degree. However, what much of the unassuming public aren’t aware of, is the many different types of journalism. Each journalistic form uses a different style and different techniques in order to craft their story. This week we learned about data journalism  - what is it, why we use it, and is it always effective?

Data journalism is essentially exactly that.

Data + Journalism =  Journalism Data.

It may seem straight forward, but it actually goes a little deeper than that. Data journalism is incorporating numerical data to provide deeper insights into what happens around us and why.  Incorporating data allows journalists make sense of a story and display it to the public with statistical data. This gives the audience a visual which can be easier to understand. 

There are three main steps when it comes to presenting data journalism. 
1.    Collect data. This can be done through surveys, databases, personal sources, studies and ABS.
2.    Organise and present: Displayed as graphs, spreadsheets, maps 
3.    Present your findings: this is to be done is a way that ties to traditional journalism

oreilly.com


A multitude of data journalists expressed why they think data journalism is an important development. Here are some of their answers:

New approaches to story telling: data journalism provides information and analysis to inform the public about important issues with the help of different tools such as computer-assisted reporting and new data visualisation applications. 

A way to see things you might not otherwise see: some stories are better understood through visualising. Data obtained by journalists that has been analysed and provided to readers allows the audience to learn things they wouldn’t of known without it. 

Adapting to changes in our information environment: data journalism can be seen as the media’s attempt to adapt to the changes in our information environment. Through data journalism, readers can explore the sources underlying the news. 

Data journalism is the future: journalists need to be data-savvy. They need to be able to analyse data and pick our what’s interesting and informative. Along with this, they need to be able to help the audience see where everything fits together in the story.


Data journalism has many benefits and is a vital tool in any journalists career. Data journalism is like ‘word journalism’ but with a photograph. It allows easier understanding, especially for topics that are complex. This allows the audience to have a greater knowledge and awareness about issues happening around them. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Future of Public Interest Journalism

Image
As discussed in earlier entries, the recent AFP raids on journalists put investigative and public interest journalism at serious risk.  The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) sees public interest as the freedom of the media to investigate, and inform and comment on matters of public concern and importance. ALRC does not put a singular definition on public interest, instead creating a list of public interest matters, providing parties and the court with useful guidance. The list, including what I have just mentioned above, also includes Freedom of expression, including political communication The proper administration of government Open justice Public health and safety National security The prevention and detection of crime and fraud The economic wellbeing of the country All these factors contribute in assisting courts and parties into making appropriate cause of action, hopefully reducing litigation.  We have seen public interest journalism in ...
Read more

Week 11 Already?!

Image
Week 11 crept up without a warning. As all the deadlines approach, I am slowly becoming more and more stressed, trying to figure out a healthy balance between four subjects and working 30+ hours a week. Despite my struggles, I know the assessments need to be done no matter what. University is my priority, so I find myself knocking back extra shifts at work when they need me (sorry boss).  As a second year student doing a third year subject, I started off the course already intimidated by that fact. However, I forced myself to find the confidence to quickly get over it so I wasn’t hindered when it came to the work.  sleepsmarter.com When talks of the major assignment started, I had nothing. I didn’t have a clue what to do a story on. When I thought I had come up with a somewhat good idea, I re-read the assessment brief and realised it had to relate to the course topics we had covered throughout the semester. So there I was, back at square one.  I was so ...
Read more

The White Guy Isn't a "Deranged Loner".. He's a Terrorist

Image
We’ve come a long way with equality regarding race in the media, and rightly so, it’s 2019! We, as a society, are more inclusive, with some participating in cultural celebrations nationally such as Ramadan. So how is race portrayed in Australian media, and how does this influence our society? Around one in five Australians have been verbally abused due to their race, experiencing racial slurs and name calling. More than one in 20 Australians have been physically attacked because of their race. But its not just race that’s targeted in the media, and in society. Its religion as well. Muslim’s often experience a lot of backlash due to their portrayal in the media, factual or otherwise.  I grew up without a religious background. I never really swayed one way or the other, and whenever I was questioned on my beliefs I would say “I believe in something, I just don’t know what”. However, Australia’s major religion is Christianity, accounting for 52% of the population according ...
Read more