The Role Of Data Journalism In Enhancing Public Understanding Of Complex Issues

Abstract

This study investigates the role of data journalism in fostering public understanding of complex social issues, through an analysis of audience preferences, trust and journalists’ organisational challenges. Using a descriptive research design based on purposive sampling of 400 respondents (300 news consumers and 100 journalists), the findings indicate that data journalism is valued most in reporting on public health (34%) and environmental issues (26%). This emphasis highlights the significance of data journalism where factual reporting and transparency are a prerequisite. 64% of consumers reported high trust in that journalism promotes increased trust in news media by presenting empirical evidence and statistics, reinforcing the potential of data journalism to rebuild media credibility. Not surprisingly, consumers preferred infographics (39%) and interactive dashboards (28%) pointing to an overall demand for visually driven and accessible reporting. On the newsroom side, interactions revealed that barriers to data driven reporting were as follows: lack of technical skills (37%) and limited access to quality and/or trusted data (28%) to generate appropriate data driven socio-economic reports. There is support for data journalism in terms of civic engagement and media trust as long as barriers to data journalism include institutional training, resource allocation and policy/legislative infrastructure are removed.