Award-Winning Investigative Journalist Stresses the Power of Data-Driven Storytelling in Digital Journalism Landscape

By Matilda Okailey Nelson

October 16, 2023. Adabraka, ACCRA: In an era dominated by data, journalists have the profound responsibility of transforming complex information into accessible narratives that resonate with their audiences. Seth J. Bokpe, award-winning investigative journalist, shared these insights with journalism students at African University College of Communication s Monday October 16, 2023.

Speaking at MediaTalk on the topic “Data Journalism and Visualization: Presenting Complex Data”, organized by the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing at AUCC, he emphasized the pivotal role of data-driven storytelling in today’s digital journalism landscape.

Mr. Bokpe, senior reporter of The Fourth Estate, pointed out that the evolving world demands a fresh perspective from the journalism industry.

“Journalists are now expected to not only gather and report news, but to also possess insight to navigate intricate datasets and present them in a way that sparks understanding and engagement. The essence lies in using numbers as a means to tell specific, impactful stories”, he charged.

He explained that data journalism is crucial due to its capacity to enhance transparency and accountability through fact-based reporting, empowering the public to make informed decisions and fostering a more engaged and discerning society.

Mr. Bokpe said by contextualizing complex issues, combatting misinformation, and identifying trends through data analysis, it enables journalists to unravel hidden patterns and correlations, driving innovation and promoting a deeper understanding of critical societal, economic, and political developments.

He then shared online resources to assist students in their bid to make sense from vast amounts of numbers and statistics.

Harnessing Data

So, how can journalists effectively harness data to craft compelling narratives? Following are points garnered from Mr. Bokpe’s presentation.

• Understand Your Audience: Before embarking on data presentation, discern the characteristics and interests of your target audience. Tailor your approach to cater to their level of expertise, ensuring that the complexity of your data aligns with their comprehension.
• Define Clear Objectives: Establish the purpose behind your data presentation. Are you aiming to inform, persuade, or elicit a specific response? Setting clear objectives will guide the selection of data points and the choice of visual representation.
• Choose the Right Data Points: Precision is paramount. Select the most pertinent data points that underpin your narrative, excluding superfluous information that may overwhelm your audience.
• Use Compelling Visuals: Infographics serve as potent tools for conveying complex data in an engaging manner. Leverage charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams to facilitate swift comprehension. Ensure visuals are lucid, labeled, and easy to interpret.
• Optimize for Digital Platforms: Recognize the medium through which your content will be consumed. Ensure that your infographics are mobile-friendly and easily shareable across various platforms. This may necessitate optimizing image sizes and formats.
• Contextualize the Data: Unpack the significance of each data point, elucidating its relevance to the broader narrative and its implications. Providing context empowers your audience to appreciate the weight of the information presented.
• Incorporate Narrative Elements: Seamlessly weave data points into your narrative, using them to bolster your storytelling and substantiate your claims. A well-structured narrative acts as a guiding thread, leading the reader through the information.
• Use Descriptive Headings and Captions: Accompany visuals with clear and succinct headings and captions. These elements should offer supplementary context, emphasize key takeaways, and direct the reader’s focus.
• Ensure Accuracy and Credibility: Validate the accuracy of your data from trustworthy sources. Provide citations or references to fortify the credibility of your presentation. Transparency in sourcing fosters trust with your audience.
• Test and Iterate: Before publication, scrutinize your data presentation for clarity and impact. Seek feedback from peers or editors, and be open to refining your work. Experimenting with different visualizations can yield more resonant results.

In this data-driven age, journalists stand as the gatekeepers of information. Armed with the proficiency to transform intricate data into accessible narratives, they hold the key to informing, engaging, and inspiring their readership in ways that resonate in our digital world.

The future of journalism, Mr. Bokpe said, lies in the hands of those who can navigate the sea of data and emerge with stories that captivate and enlighten.