Q: Where is data journalism in Lebanese media outlets?

A: Lebanese media seem to be slow in picking up on the need to upgrade and update themselves on news gathering methods. They’re often immersed in the superficial aspects of technology and totally ignore the substance of the subject matter they’re supposed to cover.

Data journalism is the more modern term for computer-assisted research. It does not mean copying and pasting content from websites, blogs and social media. It means doing serious research, evaluating information, grasping and translating it into a form most people can understand. It means being able to read Excel sheets, figuring out graphs and mathematics, understanding statistics and putting all that in the proper context in a visually appealing framework.

Q: Which Lebanese media outlets are most familiar with data journalism?

A: Very few (if any) Lebanese media outlets are fully conversant with data journalism. They seem more wrapped up in politics and sectarian differences.

Q: Do journalists need training in data journalism before they can apply it? Are there the required trainers in Lebanon?

A: Yes, it’s preferable if journalists undergo training to fully understand what they’re doing and for them to be able to disseminate accurate information. There are very few trainers who can handle data journalism in Lebanon and who come from a journalistic background, which is the ideal combination.

Q: What are the positive effects of data journalism on viewers? Do they have a better understanding of the news? What are the pros of data journalism?

A: It’s not just viewers, but various segments of the reading, listening, viewing and browsing public. Data journalism can be applied to different media and across various platforms and devices. The trick is to know how to do it.

Q: What’s the outlook on the applicability of data journalism in Lebanon and the Middle East?

A: There have been workshops and short courses on data journalism in several Arab countries but the subject must be tackled in a more structured and sustained way to benefit professional journalists and students. It’s not an overnight process. It requires time, effort and dedication to fast-paced changes in the world of technology and journalism where digital convergence is key.