(CLO) From dry numbers and issues to compelling stories, data journalism is rewriting the rules of the media industry. How are Vietnamese newsrooms entering this race?
In the context of increasingly developing digital journalism, data journalism has affirmed its position as an indispensable tool, bringing breakthroughs in the way of transmitting information. Newsrooms around the world have demonstrated the power of data journalism through large-scale investigative and data analysis projects, bringing strong impacts to society. In Vietnam, Tuoi Tre Newspaper and Nghe An Newspaper are pioneers in applying this type of journalism.
'Decoding' data, creating trust for readers
Mr. Dang Anh Tuan - Deputy Editorial Secretary, Director of the Center for Digital Content Development of Tuoi Tre Newspaper, affirmed: "Data analysis and visualization to create in-depth, objective and easy-to-understand articles is very necessary for today's press.
Articles based on specific data and convincing evidence will help improve accuracy and objectivity, reduce errors and provide more accurate information to readers. It can be said that data journalism creates a competitive advantage for digital journalism in the context of many difficulties for traditional journalism. Data journalism helps newspapers create unique content, attracting many people with in-depth articles.
Data journalism has established itself as a journalism product that brings breakthroughs in the way information is conveyed.
To do this, Tuoi Tre has invested heavily in human resources, a team of technology engineers and completed the digital newsroom. The newspaper's IMS system is integrated with many features to support data journalism, data visualization and information querying. Mr. Tuan shared: "The team of technology engineers also continuously research and update new features in data analysis, applying AI to minimize the query process."
The effectiveness of data journalism is demonstrated by the series of articles "Thanh Buoi Buses Speed 30,000 Times in Just 3 Months". By collecting and decoding journey monitoring data, Tuoi Tre reporters have provided convincing figures on the number of speeding violations by Thanh Buoi Bus Company. "The visual data and detailed, attractive charts have convinced and created trust for readers," said Mr. Tuan.
Data journalism is well received and highly appreciated by Tuoi Tre readers. "Preliminary statistics show that data journalism is highly appreciated by Tuoi Tre readers, leaving many good interactions, and the way of responding to the issues raised in the article is also accurate, intuitive, and goes straight to the point...", said Mr. Tuan.
However, Mr. Tuan also pointed out the challenges in the process of implementing data journalism, such as lack of public data, unstructured data, large data volumes and shortage of specialized human resources. In particular, the legal issue of data sources is a big challenge. "With the strong development of AI today, accessing data sources is not a difficult problem for journalists, but 'legal' data sources are a problem," Mr. Tuan emphasized.
He also shared more about readers' expectations and doubts about this type of journalism, and affirmed: "Although data journalism faces many challenges, if it overcomes the above barriers, it can bring great value in providing accurate, transparent and in-depth information to the public."
'Insider' journey with special page
Nghe An Newspaper has affirmed its pioneering position in applying data journalism, as evidenced by the award "Press agency with creative media products on Party building and excellent thematic works" at the 2024 Golden Hammer and Sickle Awards. Mr. Ngo Duc Kien, Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper shared: "We cannot stand outside, we must become insiders of data journalism".
To successfully implement data journalism projects, according to Mr. Ngo Duc Kien, cooperation with good technology partners and content partners who ensure accuracy are two key factors. He emphasized: "We are not only looking for partners with technical capacity, but also those who share the same passion, the same direction, and the same desire to preserve and spread the historical and cultural values of our homeland."
Interface of the special page 'President Ho Chi Minh with his homeland Nghe An'.
The two special pages "President Ho Chi Minh with his homeland Nghe An" and "Nghe Tinh Soviet Movement" are vivid evidence of this effort. For "President Ho Chi Minh with his homeland Nghe An", the newspaper has closely coordinated with the Kim Lien Relic Site and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, digitized data and selected scientific topics, ensuring legality. For "Nghe Tinh Soviet Movement", the newspaper has cooperated with the Nghe Tinh Soviet Museum, supporting the digitization of data and building content according to the editorial board's criteria.
These efforts have brought readers quality, intuitive, vivid data journalism products, increased interactivity, raised awareness and built trust.
"Instead of reading long lines of text, readers can 'explore' places associated with Uncle Ho, or follow the developments of the Nghe Tinh Soviet Movement in a visual and vivid way," Mr. Kien emphasized. Moreover, data journalism also encourages interaction and discovery, helping readers "freely learn more about aspects that interest them, thereby creating a personalized and interesting reading experience."
To achieve these successes, Nghe An Newspaper has focused on improving the capacity of its team of journalists. "We organize training courses on data journalism, data analysis and the use of data visualization tools," said Mr. Kien. The newspaper also builds a working environment that encourages learning, cooperation with technology partners and encourages practice.
The vivid examples of Tuoi Tre and Nghe An newspapers show that data journalism is not only a tool, but also a new way of thinking, requiring changes in the way of approaching and processing information. With continuous investment and efforts, data journalism promises to continue to bring great values to readers, contributing to building a modern, professional and trustworthy Vietnamese press.
Hoang Anh
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nang-tam-bao-chi-bang-suc-manh-cua-du-lieu-va-nhung-nguoi-trong-cuoc-tien-phong-post337377.html
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