Access to public data is diminishing, highlighting the essential need for journalists to rescue and preserve critical datasets for accountability.
Artificial intelligence is emerging in journalism to assist with data analysis, but concerns about its reliability necessitate cautious integration into reporting workflows.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Tariff Rates
The discussion highlights the complexities surrounding recent tariff changes and their implications. Despite headlines indicating that tariffs have been paused, the effective overall tariff rate has actually increased due to previous fixed rates, particularly in the case of China, where tariffs remain as high as 145%. A bar chart by the Washington Post effectively illustrates this increase in tariff rates, challenging the simplistic narratives found in mainstream media. This situation underscores the importance of nuanced data journalism that can clarify the real impact of such policy decisions.
Challenges in Data Accessibility
The podcast addresses the alarming trend of diminishing access to public data in the current climate, particularly in light of recent governmental changes. Cheryl Phillips from Big Local News highlights efforts to rescue key datasets that may otherwise be lost due to policy shifts. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for journalists to not only collect but also preserve data, ensuring that critical information remains accessible for accountability and storytelling. This proactive stance in data management showcases the need for collaboration among data professionals, local newsrooms, and academic institutions.
Innovative Collaborations in News Reporting
Big Local News serves as a collaborative platform designed to enhance local journalism through the sharing and standardization of hard-to-access data. A notable project involved working with the New York Times and the Baltimore Banner to analyze overdose data, resulting in impactful stories that spanned multiple cities. By leveraging relationships with local newsrooms, Big Local News is able to distribute findings broadly, thereby amplifying the reach of investigative work that could otherwise remain localized. This approach highlights the potential for greater collective impact in journalism and data reporting.
The Role of AI in Journalism
The conversation also explores the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the field of journalism, particularly within the context of data analysis and story generation. Tools like DataTalk have been developed to assist journalists by generating queries and simplifying data access, which can enhance the quality of reporting. However, there are concerns regarding the reliability of AI due to issues such as hallucinations in data interpretation. As the media landscape evolves with technology, it becomes crucial for journalists to remain informed and cautious about how they integrate AI into their workflows.
Cheryl Phillips is Hearst Professional in Residence at Stanford University’s journalism program, and founder of Big Local News, which empowers journalists with data – and has twice been on Pulitzer prize winning news teams. Now she has devoted herself to empowering journalists with access to the data they need to tell great stories.
She joins Alberto, Scott and Simon to discuss the state of public data in the US in 2025, and what her team is doing about it.
