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. Assistant Metro Editor Mark Schaver, formerly computer-assisted reporting director, of the Louisville Courier-Journal, has seen his role shift from investigative reporter to Web developer, in his role as a CAR specialist. At the same time, he’s been asked to take on more traditional Metro editing duties, a role he said he’s coming to enjoy more and more. It’s a very real story of what’s happening with data journalism, outside of the idyllic academic bubble I’ve spent so much of my time in. Because while it may not always be all about data, it is always all about journalism. Read more…
So, you think data journalism and programming are some valuable skills you’d like to learn. Unfortunately, your school doesn’t offer this as a track, or maybe you’re not even in school anymore. You know people will help you, and you think it all seems cool, but it can be difficult knowing just where to start. I know I felt forced to stand still for too many months in terms of my programming skills — I was frozen by an overwhelming feeling. Again, it shouldn’t be this hard to just figure out how to get started.
This past week, I received a few emails asking me to address this issue. I’ve said some of this before, but here’s my perspective on how to go about teaching yourself, when you don’t have the luxury of it being pre-established in your curriculum.
Read on for an adaptation of my marathon-length email — you really don’t want to suffer through the entire piece as it was originally written at an ungodly hour, I promise. Read more…
As a recently graduated Medillian (yay for entering the “real world, boo for having to leave such a nurturing and wonderful place), I’ve been thinking a lot about data journalism and my generation. Why were there so few students at NICAR? Yes, it costs money to get to a conference, but I’m not even seeing all that many on NICAR-L. Perhaps it’s not as snazzy or attractive as video or Flash, but I maintain that the Web cries out for data, and with the right mentality, it’s even more interesting than these other journalism subsets.
Data journalism ought to be something every journalist is familiar with, and at least considers as a possible specialization. I think part of the issue is that it’s just not being taught as well as it could be in journalism schools. First, let me be clear. My strongest recommendation to anyone about graduate education — not just in journalism — is to seek out your own education. Yeah, keep up with blogs and tutorials in your field, engage in social media. But find professors whose work sounds interesting, and bug them. Just because it’s not covered in the syllabus doesn’t mean they can’t help you. It might have been their speciality in the past, or they might like to learn it with you. When you work together closely with professors, you get individual attention and gain new skills. Here’s the not-so-secret secret: Most educators love to work with interested students.
But schools are there to help you, you shouldn’t have to seek everything out for yourself. Our curricula must move forward, and teach us more of what we need to know, show us these possibilities exist. So, I put fingers to keyboard to outline some of my thoughts of what I wish journalism schools could do. Read more…
“You’re going into journalism? Now?” “they” asked. “What can you do with that?”
I’ve always answered that I’ll figure something out, that the Web is to journalism’s benefit, not its detriment. That there’s got to be something to this programming journalism thing I enjoy so much.
I finished my last final today. Counting down to it was scary — then what? Jazzed after days and nights of the recent computer-assisted reporting conference, chatting amongst my people, learning, geeking out and talking about how we can improve journalism everyday, I wondered what was in store. Would that feeling of elation disappear as quickly as it began? Would I find a place to practice my passion?
The answer is this: I’ll be an intern this summer working with Ben Welsh and Ken Schwencke, aka “the geek squad,” aka the data/news applications team at the Los Angeles Times. (Read my interview with Ben and Ken that I did for my “Data Delvers” series.) They’re part of the data group over there. Read more…
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. He told me each aspect of his career has enabled him to do what he does today. Read more…
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. Then, just as now, those interested in combining journalism and technology had some fascinating challenges to tackle. And for Anthony DeBarros, Senior Database Editor at USA Today, the transition of journalism aligned with his career, and changed how he did his job, the education he pursued and the career path he followed. It’s a fascinating story of seizing on opportunities when they arise, and following your dreams.
Read more…