What reporting isn’t “computer-assisted” these days?

Tuesday, 14 March 2006, 20:35

Amy Gahran at the Poynter Institute says “computer-assisted reporting” (CAR) is an anachronistic term:

… No one makes a big deal about “telephone-assisted reporting.” Is the term “computer-assisted reporting” (CAR) getting to that point? …

CAR used to be all the rage. But nowadays, I doubt there’s much reporting that isn’t “computer assisted” in one way or another — from Google and DexOnline to campaign finance databases. More specific terms, like “data mining,” appear to be in ascendance from what I hear. What are you hearing?

I agree. This is even more true in those rare cases when reporters do statistical analysis. Tell me what statistical tests you used, not that you used a computer. That’s just obvious.

Entry Filed under: Computer Assisted Reporting, Journalism, Miscellanea