Generating Data Journalism Story Ideas: Do You Really Need Data First? ????

Data journalism has become an increasingly powerful tool for uncovering impactful stories, especially in the African context. However, when it comes to generating story ideas, the role of data is not always straightforward. Based on my experience, this is what I have relied on over the years.

1. Identifying the Story First ???♂?

While data is crucial for data journalism, it's not always necessary to have the data in hand when ideating story concepts. Often, the story idea itself can emerge from a deep understanding of the issues affecting a community or country. Take Zimbabwe as an example, where journalists could delve into the effects of the economic crisis on the daily lives of ordinary citizens, even prior to acquiring precise data points. Such stories, concerning matters of public interest, can have a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of ordinary citizens.

2. Leveraging Existing Knowledge and Connections ??

Journalists in Africa can tap into their existing knowledge of local issues and connect with trusted sources to generate story ideas. By understanding the challenges faced by communities, journalists can identify potential stories that could be enhanced through data analysis. For example, a journalist in Zimbabwe might already have insights into the struggles small-scale farmers endure as a result of climate change. This knowledge can serve as a starting point for a data journalism story idea

3. Identifying Data Sources and Availability ??

Once a story idea has been identified, it's important to assess the availability and accessibility of relevant data sources. In some cases, data may be readily available from government agencies, NGOs, or international organisations. However, in the African context, data accessibility can be a challenge due to factors such as lack of transparency, limited resources, or poor data collection practices. Journalists should be prepared to explore alternative data sources, such as crowdsourcing or conducting their own surveys.

4. Collaboration and Partnerships ????

Generating data journalism story ideas can be enhanced through collaboration with data experts, civic organisations and academic institutions. In Zimbabwe, for example, journalists could partner with local universities or data-focused NGOs to identify potential story ideas and access relevant data sets. This approach can lead to more impactful and well-rounded stories that address the needs of the community.

5. Staying Relevant and Engaging ??

Ultimately, the success of a data journalism story idea depends on its relevance and ability to engage the audience. Journalists should strive to identify stories that resonate with the lived experiences of their readers or viewers. In the Zimbabwean context, stories that address issues such as economic hardship, healthcare challenges, climate change or educational inequalities are likely to capture the attention of the audience and drive meaningful change.

In conclusion, while data is a crucial component of data journalism, it's not always necessary to have the data in hand when generating story ideas. By leveraging existing knowledge, identifying relevant sources, collaborating with partners and staying attuned to the needs of the community, journalists in Zimbabwe and Africa can create impactful data journalism stories that make a real difference in people's lives. ????