Data Delver: Andy Boyle, St. Petersburg Times

July 11th, 2010

The last Data Delver I have on tap is Andy Boyle.  If you're in the online journalism sphere on Twitter, you know this name, or at least, @andymboyle.  But let's say you don't.  If I introduce him as a reporter, that's not the full picture.  A developer?  That's not it either.  Web-savvy journo?  Still, nope Read More...

Data Delver: Cheryl Phillips, Seattle Times

July 11th, 2010

Programming note: This Data Delver series was a lot more regular before I actually became a "Data Delver." This is one of two interviews that's been sitting in my draft pile.  I spoke to Cheryl Phillips back in March 2010, and the below interview should be interpreted in that context.  Sorry for the delay, Cheryl, but better late than never (I hope Read More...

Data Delver: Paul Monies, The Oklahoman

April 11th, 2010

In journalism, we talk a lot about the concept of the "one-man band." The idea often refers to multi-platform journalism -- it means being able to deliver a story in print, video, audio or online format. You must be able to do it all, and do it all well. But in the CAR world, plenty of data teams remain a one-man band operation, but in a different sense Read More...

Data Delver: Phil Meyer

April 5th, 2010

Using programming to enhance and improve journalism is often thought of as a new phenomenon -- the rise of the pro-jo, or programmer-journalist. But as anyone in the CAR community can tell you, using computers for reporting is far from a new idea. One of the pioneers of the movement, decades ago, was Phil Meyer Read More...

Data Delver: Mark Schaver, Louisville Courier

March 28th, 2010

It's all very simple for me to sit in front of my computer and proclaim myself a data journalist, or a programmer-journalist for that matter. I've spent a lot of time discovering my love for creating data-driven applications. But for many CAR reporters, the role of Web developer has chosen them as the field has developed Read More...

Data Delver: Matt Wynn, Arizona Republic

March 8th, 2010

CAR brings added benefit to stories throughout the paper, and it's essential in urban areas that have many facets to be explored through data. But before you can bring the CAR to a city like Phoenix, you've got to be confident in your abilities. That's why Matt Wynn, now Senior Data Reporter at the Arizona Republic, said he's still thankful for the opportunities he had working with data in Springfield, Mo Read More...

Data Delver: Anthony DeBarros, USA Today

March 8th, 2010

It's one thing to say we're interested in the conversion of journalism and technology now, but it was a completely different story decades ago, when it was the beginning of a melding of the writers and the computer geeks. And as much as things were different than today, newsrooms still wondered how to best integrate the new technology Read More...

Data Delver: Jennifer LaFleur, ProPublica

March 8th, 2010

The nature of CAR is shifting each day, as data analyzers and Web developers alike prepare to converge on Phoenix later this week.  But for those who've been in this for the long haul, the essence of the field remains what it always has been.  That's the message ProPublica's Director of Computer-Assisted Reporting, Jennifer LaFleur, imparted to me during our interview Read More...

Data Delvers: Ben Welsh & Ken Schwencke, LA Times

March 8th, 2010

Using data as part of a package that drives user interest needs a strong team, and cross-collaboration between reporters, editors and web developers.  At the Los Angeles Times, two key people who work to bring it all together are Web dev duo Ben Welsh and Ken Schwencke.  It's their job to enhance and enrich the various reporting and projects done by reporters and make sure it's interesting and accessible to you on the Web Read More...

Data Delver: Chase Davis, California Watch

February 20th, 2010

My next Data Delver: By day, he's an investigative reporter. By night, he's Superman!  (Okay, he actually builds database applications with co-conspirator Matt Waite.  But that's almost the same, right?) The CAR world, as I see it, has two different paths you can go down: continue to use data for reporting stories, or apply those skills to web development and presenting data Read More...