From M/Cyclopedia of New Media
MaryCampbell 09:05, 9 Sep 2004 (EST)
== Computer Assisted Reporting ==
Electronic Journalism
- The development of computer based technology has dramatically altered the researching stage of journalism. A computer is a powerful tool in the search for answers to the famed questions, who, what, where, when, why and how (Miller, 1998: 2).
- The most important use of computers in journalism is described as Computer Assisted Reporting – otherwise known as CAR (De Wolk, 2001: 79). The term is used to describe the application of computers to gather information and data for reporting purposes. The implementation of CAR techniques has opened new possibilities for journalists, enabling them to analyse, understand, follow up and report on stories that would be unapproachable without such technology (De Wolk, 2001: 79).
- However, journalists must strive to use CAR techniques in conjunction with good journalism. They must still be prepared to ask probing questions, double check information find appropriate sources and write well – because above all journalists are story tellers (Miller, 1998: 4).
- The increase of computer based technologies within newsrooms has the effect of both reducing costs and increasing revenue – and the introduction or CAR techniques provides innovative ways to expand publications. However the age of digital journalism has also resulted in greater accessibility and affordability for smaller, independent based productions to thrive (Garrison, 1998; 22).
Basic CAR techniques
- CAR involves two specific stages:
- Online Research - undertaking research using the internet and other online services.
- Database Journalism - searching and analysing a collection of information, an electronic database, a computerised encyclopedia, a CDROM, a floppy disk or creating a spreadsheet by entering in collected data.
(Miller, 1998: 2)
Advantages of CAR
- The advantages in implementing CAR techniques include (Garrison, 1998: 23):
- increased productivity of journalists (journalists using CAR techniques will be more productive with their time as computer technology assists in researching, organising and analyzing information);
- cost saving in information gathering (reduced need to report and gather information on location)
- increased quality reporting (sources are more diverse and better qualified);
- increased independent interpretation of information and increased analysis of data (less dependence on sources for data interpretation);
- computer based communication;
- online distribution of news;
- increased access to information;
- greater information accuracy;
- reliable storage; and
- faster information retrieval.
CAR in practice – The Asbury Park Press
- In it’s project ‘No Checks and Balances’ the Asbury Park Press, a daily New Jersey publication, analysed the ability for minority and inner city communities to access financial services.
- Journalists Steve Chambers and Paul D’Ambrosio produced an award winning four part series describing the difficulty minority groups in New Jersey face in accessing financial services (Garrison, 1998: 12). They implemented CAR techniques and examined reasons for banks leaving the neighborhoods as well as the impact this had on the areas residents (Garrison, 1998: 12).
Go back to Digital Journalism
MaryCampbell 12:42, 25 Oct 2004 (EST)
Related Wiki Entries
Bibliography
- De Wolk, R. (2001). Introduction to Online Journalism: Publishing News and Information, United States of America: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0205286895
- Garrison, B. (1998). Computer Assisted Reporting, 2nd Edition, United States of America: Lawerence Erlbaum Associated, Publishers. ISBN 0805830200
- Miller, L. (1998). Power Journalism: Computer Assisted Reporting, United States of America: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0155039768
MaryCampbell 12:42, 25 Oct 2004 (EST)
