2.1 Identifying data-driven story ideas

Data journalism starts with identifying newsworthy stories hidden in numbers. From election results to climate change, data can reveal trends and patterns that matter to your audience. It's about finding the stories that spark curiosity and demand attention.

Generating ideas takes creativity and critical thinking. Brainstorm with colleagues, explore datasets for anomalies, and stay curious about the world around you. Then evaluate your ideas for feasibility and impact to ensure you're pursuing stories that make a difference.

Data-driven story ideas

Identifying newsworthy topics

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  Illustrations for the Data Journalism Handbook – Open Knowledge International Blog View original

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  Two fundamentals that define good data journalism – Andy Dickinson – Medium View original

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  Understanding data journalism: Overview of resources, tools and topics - Journalist's Resource ... View original

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  Illustrations for the Data Journalism Handbook – Open Knowledge International Blog View original

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• Data-driven journalism uncovers newsworthy stories, trends, patterns, or insights that may not be immediately apparent by using data
• Newsworthy topics are timely, relevant, significant, and of interest to the target audience
• Data can explore a wide range of topics (politics, economics, social issues, health, environment)
• Identifying newsworthy topics requires staying informed about current events, understanding the needs and interests of the audience, and recognizing potential stories that can be supported by data
• Examples of newsworthy topics that can be explored using data:
  • Election results
  • Crime rates
  • Public health trends
  • Income inequality
  • Climate change

Exploring data-driven topics

• Data-driven approaches can be applied to various fields and industries to uncover valuable insights and inform decision-making
• Journalists can use data to investigate government policies, spending, and performance to hold officials accountable and promote transparency
• Data can reveal disparities and inequalities in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing, leading to stories that advocate for social justice and change
• Business and financial data can be analyzed to report on economic trends, market dynamics, and corporate behavior
• Environmental data can be used to explore issues related to climate change, pollution, natural resources, and conservation efforts

Generating story ideas

Strategies for idea generation

• Generating data-driven story ideas involves a combination of curiosity, research, and critical thinking
• Start with a broad topic of interest and then narrow it down based on available data and potential angles
• Look for anomalies, outliers, or surprising patterns in existing datasets that could lead to interesting stories
• Regularly monitor news sources, government reports, academic studies, and social media for inspiration
• Collaborate with experts (researchers, analysts, subject matter experts) to generate ideas and provide context
• Attend conferences, workshops, or meetups related to data journalism to expose yourself to new ideas, tools, and techniques

Techniques for brainstorming

• Ask "what if" questions to explore hypothetical scenarios and potential outcomes based on data
• Use mind mapping or concept mapping to visually organize ideas and identify connections between different topics or datasets
• Engage in group brainstorming sessions with colleagues or stakeholders to generate diverse perspectives and ideas
• Apply creative thinking techniques (lateral thinking, random word association, role-playing) to approach data-driven stories from unconventional angles
• Conduct audience surveys or focus groups to understand their information needs and preferences, which can inform story ideas

Evaluating data-driven stories

Assessing feasibility

• Not all data-driven story ideas are feasible or impactful, so it's important to evaluate them carefully before pursuing them
• Feasibility depends on factors such as:
  • Availability and quality of relevant data
  • Time and resources required to analyze the data
  • Legal and ethical considerations involved
• Conducting preliminary data analysis can help determine the feasibility of a story idea and identify potential challenges or limitations
• Interviewing experts or stakeholders can provide insights into the feasibility and relevance of a story idea
• Testing the story with a small sample of the target audience can gauge interest and identify areas for improvement

Evaluating potential impact

• Potential impact can be assessed based on:
  • Significance of the story
  • Size and characteristics of the target audience
  • Likelihood of the story leading to meaningful change or action
• Consider whether the story has been done before and whether there is a new angle or insight that can be added
• Evaluate the potential for the story to raise awareness, influence public opinion, or drive policy changes
• Assess the story's potential to engage and resonate with the target audience on an emotional or personal level
• Consider the long-term implications and potential unintended consequences of the story

Curiosity vs Critical thinking

The role of curiosity

• Curiosity is a key driver of data-driven journalism, as it motivates journalists to ask questions, explore new topics, and uncover hidden stories
• Curious journalists are more likely to notice patterns, anomalies, or gaps in data that could lead to interesting stories
• Curiosity encourages journalists to dig deeper, seek out multiple sources, and pursue angles that may not be immediately obvious
• Cultivating curiosity requires an open-minded and inquisitive approach to data and a willingness to explore unfamiliar territory

The importance of critical thinking

• Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively, considering multiple perspectives, and drawing logical conclusions based on evidence
• Critical thinking helps journalists assess the reliability and relevance of data sources, identify potential biases or limitations, and draw accurate conclusions from the data
• Critical thinking skills enable journalists to ask probing questions, challenge assumptions, and verify claims made by sources
• Developing critical thinking skills requires practice, exposure to diverse perspectives, and a commitment to evidence-based reasoning

Balancing curiosity and critical thinking

• Curiosity and critical thinking work together to help journalists identify newsworthy topics, generate story ideas, and evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of those ideas
• Curiosity drives journalists to explore new avenues and uncover hidden stories, while critical thinking ensures that those stories are rigorously investigated and accurately reported
• Balancing curiosity and critical thinking involves being open to new ideas and perspectives while also maintaining a healthy skepticism and a commitment to evidence-based reporting
• Journalists who cultivate both curiosity and critical thinking are better equipped to navigate the complexities of data-driven journalism and deliver high-quality, impactful stories to their audiences