How to Tell Stories with Data | David Leonhardt | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR
David Leonhardt, editor of "The Upshot" at The New York Times, discusses the current state and future of data journalism, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, storytelling, and the need for journalists to develop technical skills.
Key Insights
- 😮 Journalism has become more accurate and interactive with the rise of technology and social media. Mistakes can be corrected in real time, and writers and readers can debate and discuss ideas immediately.
- 🎮 Data journalism has improved storytelling and offers readers more control and a deeper understanding of complex issues.
- 💗 The market for ambitious journalism is growing, with readers showing an interest in interactive and substantive content.
- 🔉 To maintain accuracy, journalists should collaborate with statisticians and experts, while also being receptive to feedback from readers and social media.
- 💨 Local news organizations need to find innovative ways to provide hyper-local, useful information that readers would be willing to pay for.
Transcript
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Questions & Answers
Q: How has data journalism changed over the years?
Data journalism has become more accurate, liquid, and interactive, allowing for better storytelling and more control for readers. The rise of social media and technology has also made it easier to correct mistakes and engage in real-time debates.
Q: What is the significance of the market for journalism?
The market for ambitious journalism is larger than ever, with readers showing a demand for interactive, substantive content. This is reflected in the increasing number of readers paying for subscriptions and the success of new publications like "The Upshot" and "FiveThirtyEight."
Q: How can journalists maintain accuracy and avoid misleading readers with data visuals?
Journalists need to be cautious and validate their assumptions when creating data visualizations. Collaborative processes that involve statisticians and experts can help ensure accuracy. Additionally, feedback from social media and reader emails can help identify mistakes and correct misinterpretations.
Q: How can local news organizations address the decline of local news coverage?
Local news organizations need to find ways to provide hyper-local, useful information that readers would be willing to pay for. This could involve leveraging data and specialized knowledge about local communities, although the challenge lies in finding the right business model to support such efforts.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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Despite challenges in the journalism industry, American journalism is better than ever and plays a crucial role in informing citizens about the world.
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Journalism has become more accurate and liquid, thanks to the rise of technology and social media, which allow for real-time feedback and corrections.
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Tools and techniques in data journalism have improved, allowing for better storytelling, more control for readers, and increased accuracy in reporting.
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The market for ambitious journalism is growing, with readers showing a demand for interactive and substantive content.
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