Data journalism in the Maltese press

Abstract

Data journalism is a journalistic process focused on working with large data-sets for the purpose of creating or elevating a story. The process entails data collecting/obtaining, data cleaning and data analysis. Data visualisation helps to make the story more understandable to the audience. Technological innovations and data abundance have contributed to the recent popularity of data journalism. As a consequence, it has encouraged a wide array of academic research. A significant number of studies carried out on a national level have revealed unique characteristics that are particular to each country. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with data journalists and influential newsroom professionals, this study explores the state of data journalism in the Maltese press. Additionally, it examines the characteristics and barriers of why data journalistic reporting in Malta is sparse. The research finds that data journalism is considered not practical enough because of the size of the newsrooms. Although newsrooms acknowledge the benefit and value of data journalistic reporting, they do not have the resources to practice it persistently. Other hindrances found are lack of related education, labour-intensiveness and the time-consuming nature of data journalism.