Capturing data has become a significant part of journalism with digital migration and news becoming instant.
Now more than ever, print media has to be innovative in order to survive and remain competitive. Data mining teaches journalists how to access credible databases and how to connect that information into quality stories, with a special focus on turning that information into graphs and maps.
“Data mining also teaches about the links between online and print media,” said David Canning, Training Manager at Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal who also coordinated the programme. The workshop was hosted at the DUT City Campus last week (10-11 September 2013) where some of the DUT Journalism Programme lecturers also attended.
Peter Verweij, Journalism lecturer and founder of D3 Media conducted the workshops. Verweij, from the Netherlands, collaborated with three major newspaper groups namely; Independent, Times Media and Media24 to host the workshops in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg where journalists are taught how to access reliable information from credible sources in the internet.
“Information should be free. A government who hides it is afraid of public opinion”, Verweij said. He added that data on the internet should be easily accessible and in a format that can benefit those who require it.
He said journalist must learn how to dig deeper into stories instead of having one dimensional articles. He said graphs and maps create more interesting stories, adding that editors should be looking at ways to add value to their websites by giving readers crucial information with links to follow to give their stories life.
“Give readers a different story form, give people stories that are broken up they will appreciate that more,” said Kuben Chetty, Witness Deputy Editor.
Verweij highlighted how print media is has been declining, which is why most publications abroad have included sections in their companies that specifically deal with capturing data. It is of great importance that South Africa too adopts these methods as it is one of the ways that print media can still function and remain competitive.
– Mbali Madlala
Pictured (L-R): David Canning; Independent Newspapers KZN Training Manager, Peter Verweij; workshop conductor and founder of D3 Media as well as lecturers in the DUT Journalism Programme Ayesha Mall, Robin Sewlal and Mikhail Peppers at the two day data mining workshop.
