Awareness and Uses of Data-Driven Reporting Techniques by Journalists in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Journalism practice is gradually shifting from just the reportage of spontaneous information to data query and analysis of large data. A precursor to this development was the issue of precision journalism. However, the event of statistical software and searchable compilations of media contents in form of videos, texts and other media forms has given birth to a new form of journalism called data journalism. This paper examined Journalists in Minna knowledge of the techniques and uses of data driven journalism. Anchored on the technological determinism theory and media ecology theory, the paper used survey research method with the questionnaire as instrument to generate data from 286 Journalists who were members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Niger State Chapter. The results of the study show that many journalists lack knowledge of data journalism. They do not use the basic tools of data driven journalism and they are hampered by training opportunities and dearth of skills necessary to venture into this area. The paper concludes that journalists in Minna lack the basic knowledge and tools of the data driven journalists. Hence, it is not practiced in the state . the paper recommends serious training for journalists on the nuances of data driven journalism.