Ambroise Carton 

(RTBF  - journaliste pour Décrypte, la cellule de datajournalisme et de fact-checking de la RTBF)

Enhancing Data Literacy in Journalism – What we learned with the Décrypte Team at RTBF

Abstract :
Are journalists proficient data analysts? This workshop delves into the critical examination of journalists' roles in an era where "data journalism" is not just a buzzword but a necessity. The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the essential need for data literacy, revealing that journalistic expertise does not always align with analytical proficiency, especially among those with traditional literary backgrounds. As our societies face an overwhelming influx of information, audiences are increasingly seeking not just news but clarity and understanding, pressing journalists to transcend their conventional roles and embrace data-driven storytelling.

In the first part we will discuss the operational methodologies of the Décrypte team, the data and fact-checking unit at RTBF. This exploration will shed light on the critical decision-making processes behind topic selection, defining a journalistic angle, and identifying the pivotal stages where the confluence of journalism and data analytics yields the most significant benefits. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these disciplines, when synergized, enhance the clarity, reliability, and impact of news stories.

In a second part, I will showcase a few exemplary cases of data journalism executed by the Décrypte team. Special emphasis will be placed on the "scrollytelling" format, a compelling blend of scrolling and storytelling designed to elucidate complex topics through a gradual, educational framework. Participants will be treated to a series of case studies that highlight the transformative power of data in storytelling, offering a blueprint for merging analytical depth with narrative engagement.

Link to TEAMS