Computer Assisted Reporting
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| Computing at Columbia Timeline Photo: Columbia University |
Initially, when I embarked upon this undertaking of computer-aided reporting, I assumed it would be nothing but another set of research presentations – collecting data, putting together several slides, and giving a report. However, as I continued on working in this medium, I discovered that there was a greater message for me: the future state of journalism, how journalism is evolving, and in what ways data is becoming a medium for telling stories.
The process of assembling my slides compelled me to view journalism through a new lens. Rather than merely focusing on producing written content or covering events, I now needed to comprehend how journalists utilize vast amounts of data (such as in spreadsheets and databases) to find stories that are otherwise hidden from view. The realization that patterns can often reveal corruption and/or policy failures within a given context shocked me at first; this realization transformed journalism from an "art" to one that was more akin to "scientific investigation."
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| Evolution of Data Journalism Photo: Andrea Lehr in Content Marketing |
transformation. Journalism has not changed over night, but has evolved over time as new technologies and tools became available. By now, it is very difficult to visualize any form of investigative reporting without data analysis.
Working on the slide for Sarah Cohen was probably my favorite part, as it made everything seem more actual, rather than just talking about the idea of "data journalism," that it is really data-driven journalism. Her work made me realize that data is more than just numbers and, if used correctly, data can be used as evidence to hold powerful systems accountable. That is the idea that has stayed with me the most.
Creating the presentation itself proved to be a much more difficult task than I anticipated. I needed to put some thought into how to display the information clearly and make it visually appealing. I wanted my presentation to be professional yet easy for others to understand, especially because of how technical the
subject matter can be in some cases! The challenge of keeping a good balance between the visuals, text and flow helped me clearly recognize the importance of communication—not just what you say but how you present it as well.
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| Sarah Cohen in 2011 Photo: Wikipedia |
subject matter can be in some cases! The challenge of keeping a good balance between the visuals, text and flow helped me clearly recognize the importance of communication—not just what you say but how you present it as well.
This project has given me insight into how I perceive journalism and data today than I did before. When I think of data now, I consider it to be both a mathematical/scientific concept and a means of communicating storytelling and seeking truth. The experience of creating the presentation has opened my eyes up to the idea that journalism of the future should not only report on what happened but will also include research into the information provided to serve the public good by analysing data and unearthing things that might not otherwise come to light.
This project was not only about creating slides; it was also about understanding the way information is used in the real world and how much power it can have when used appropriately. On a personal level, it helped me appreciate how much work goes into producing all of the news that we see daily.
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