Data Journalism

TL;DR

Uses data and visualizations to reveal patterns, trends, and insights that are hard to see otherwise.
Applies analysis to topics like public safety and the economy to highlight areas of concern.
Helps inform the public and hold policymakers and decision-makers accountable.

Definition

Data journalism is the practice of using data-driven analysis and visualizations to tell compelling stories and inform the public on important issues. This approach uses data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that would otherwise be difficult to detect or understand.

Explanation

Data journalism combines quantitative analysis and graphical presentation to make complex information accessible and newsworthy. Journalists gather relevant datasets (for example, crime statistics or economic indicators), analyze them to identify meaningful patterns or disparities, and present the findings with visual tools so the public can better understand the issues and potential responses.

Examples

Crime data example

A journalist might use data on crime rates, location, and demographics to investigate and report on public safety issues in a community. For instance, a data journalist might use heat maps to show areas with high rates of violent crime, and then use data analysis to determine the underlying causes and potential solutions.

Economic data example

A journalist might use data on median income, poverty rates, and unemployment to investigate and report on issues related to income inequality and the economy. For instance, a data journalist might use bar charts to show the income gap between different racial and ethnic groups, and then use data analysis to identify potential policy interventions that could help reduce income inequality.

Use cases

Informing the public about important issues through data-driven reporting.
Holding policymakers and other decision-makers accountable for their actions.
Helping journalists uncover stories and insights that would otherwise be difficult to detect or understand.

Data visualization
Data analysis
Public accountability