Utility Story

The process of obtaining data and public records remains a struggle for journalists. Furthermore, jargon within these documents limits journalists' ability to accessibly share information with the public. However, professionals like Caitlyn Stroh-Page, Fletcher Page, and Andy Johnston–who have been working in the journalism industry for over a decade–have mastered the process of acquiring and understanding data. Through their years of experience, they are able to provide technical steps for younger journalists to accomplish this in their own reporting as well. 

“In terms of data collection, it's all about strengthening your story,” Page said.

The ‘why’ behind collecting data should be the catalyst for including it in a story. If a piece of data provides unnecessary or irrelevant context, its role is only that of further confusing readers. On the other hand, if data reveals context, historical perspectives and depth relevant to the story you are following, then the data has served the public by going beyond surface-level reporting and exploring narratives that are not immediately visible to readers. 

“So many things have data that you probably don’t even know,” Page said. “Lliterally anything that involves public money, there’s data and there’s documents.”