what is 

Data Journalism?

Kendall Taggart

kendall.taggart@buzzfeed.com

(h/t Jennifer LaFleur of The Center for Investigative Reporting)


#Nicar14 job board

Why data journalism?

  • Because you can't tell important stories without these skills

EXAMPLE: ESPN examines stadium food




Finding: More than half of the concession stands or restaurants had been cited for at least one "critical" or "major" health violation at some venues.

WHy data journalism?

  • Because you can't tell important stories without these skills
  • Pattern recognition: it takes you beyond an anecdote

    • EXAMPLE: Associated press follows stimulus money


    Combining datasets:  Bridge inspections    +    stimulus funding


    FINDING:          Some of the nation's worst bridges did not get                                                      stimulus funding.

    EXAMPLE: PRIME HEALTHCARE

    There is news in the outliers.


    WHY Data Journalism?

  • Because you can't tell important stories without these skills
  • Pattern recognition: it takes you beyond an anecdote
  • Test assumptions

    • EXAMPLE: NPR 


    EXAMPLE: California Watch

    California has the toughest building regulations.

    Schools must be safe.


    EXAMPLE: THE Center for investigative Reporting

    Press releases disproportionately highlight Mexican citizens 


    4 of 5 Border Patrol drug busts involve US citizens

    WHY Data Journalism?

  • Because you can't tell important stories without these skills
  • Pattern recognition: it takes you beyond an anecdote
  • Test assumptions
  • Enable people to make stories relevant to their own situation

    • eXAMPLE: California watch

    Schools in our area with faulty construction