Literature Review: Computer-assisted journalism

Literature Review

Computer-assisted journalism, or CAJ, refers to the use of computers in new gathering.  CAJ is an umbrella term since a majority of journalist’s jobs will be filled under this term.  The central theme is the use of computers to gather and analyze the information in order to complete the news story.  From reporting, research, reference, reconnaissance and rendezvous are necessary for newsgathering it is necessary to understand this functions to accomplish some of the tasks. 

            The umbrella term breaks down into five subcategories: Reporting, Research, Reference, Reconnaissance, and Rendezvous.  Reporting under CAJ is associated with traditional reporting techniques, such as gathering information through interviews.  “The skill sets of computer-assisted reporting refer to translating these journalistic functions to working with records and data” for analysis and uncovering hidden stories (Paul & Hansen, 2007, p. 2). Research within CAJ refers to use of a secondary source in combination with reporting to create a complete news report.  Reference is the “quick facts, spellings, definitions, and statics that add color or detail to your reporting” (Paul & Hansen, 2007, p. 4).  In other words, it double-checking the facts within the news report prior to publication.

Reconnaissance is remaining up-to-date with any information available in reference to the news report.  According to Paul and Hansen (2007), “Savvy reporters realize that the alert services, personalized news, and RSS feeds available on the Internet are excellent resources for keeping up on what is happening” (p. 4).  Rendezvous is associated with the virtual communities found online.  In sense it is another way to network information in regards to news reports, seek advice, listen in, and discuss topics with others within the field. 

While computer-assisted journalism appears to provide a variety of ways to improve on news reporting and organizing the information, there are some limitations with computer-assisted journalism.  For example, under Research, it is limited to the newest information.  There may be press releases discrediting the information previous gathered.  If reporters are not up to date in the latest information they will lose their jump on a story.  While some are easier to learn, it is not something that may be useable for each news story.  It seems the usage will vary depending on the story being covered.  While it is help to gather the databases for future references, the topics can be change based on the latest information. 

Reference

Paul, N., & Hansen, K. (2007). Computer-Assisted research: Information strategies and tools for journalists. Columbia, MO: Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc.

Investigative Reporting Skills

Investigative reporting skills require in-depth and thoroughly researched material in order to create valid and creditable stories for the general public.  Investigative reporters begin with a hypothesis with an open mind, since stories can lead to different results after putting in hours of research.  According to Houston (2009), “The best investigative journalists collect both supports and contradictory evidence for a story.  They then weigh carefully what the evidence shows” (p. 4).  While the leg work may be considered tedious to some, the end result is an informative story that will appeal to the general public.  Taking the time to research and discover the truth behind a story allows for future opportunities not necessarily discovered when the original topic was approached.  It is important to have the physical evidence to prior to interviews and aid in developing questions associated with the story.  The background information is just as important as ongoing coverage.  It is even possible to uncover other stories while researching, something that may have been missed.  “The search for investigative ideas is ‘unending…Ideas can come ‘from anywhere’-legal advertisement, estate sales, bankruptcy notices, transfers of business executives, company and professional newsletters” (Houston, 2009, p. 10).  The key to investigative reporting is curiosity with an open mind, where the rabbit hole may take journalists and led to stories never discovered before. 

            Based on this understanding, it is clear to be how investigative reporting skill can help with writing a story.  Being able to provide the correct information on a story allows for accurate reporting and most importantly ensuring the public is fully aware of the facts that lead to the truth.  If reporters are not able to validate a source of information it could led to misunderstanding and misrepresentations.  The reputation of a reporter is one of the key points to gaining the trust of the public for providing creditable information.  If reporters take the time to research the past and present topic it can also led them to develop a future coverage.  Investigative reporting skills are necessary to ensure journalists are providing the best information possible. 

Reference

Houston, B. (2009). The investigative reporter’s handbook: A guide to documents, databases and techniques (5th). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin