Knowledge Bridge | Data-driven journalism: The process to transform raw data into stories

//Valer Kot /June 9 / 2014

Data-driven journalism: The process to transform raw data into stories

Data-driven journalism is a process based on analyzing and filtering large data sets for the purpose of creating a news story. Tow Center for Digital Journalism released an extensive report “The Art and Science of Data-Driven Journalism – When journalists combine new technology with narrative skills, they can deliver context, clarity, and a better understanding of the world around us“ written by Alex Howard that examines the methods and predictions concerning running a data-driven newsroom. Following is a list of the 14 findings, recommendations and predictions explored in detail in the full report (PDF):

1) Data will become even more of a strategic resource for media.

2) Better tools will emerge that democratize data skills.

3) News apps will explode as a primary wayMeasuring the impact of data-driven journalism for people to consume data journalism.

4) Being digital first means being data-centric and mobile-friendly.

5) Expect more robojournalism, but know that human relationships and storytelling still matter.

6) More journalists will need to study the social sciences and statistics.

7) There will be higher standards for accuracy and corrections.

8) Competency in security and data protection will become more important.

9) Audiences will demand more transparency on reader data collection and use.

10) Conflicts over public records, data scraping, and ethics will surely arise.

11) Collaborate with libraries and universities as archives, hosts, and educators.

12) Expect data-driven personalization and predictive news in wearable interfaces..

13) More diverse newsrooms will produce better data journalism.

14) Be mindful of data-ism and bad data. Embrace skepticism.

Article by Valer Kot