Data Journalism in Sweden

TLDR

Data journalism, an evolving investigative practice also known as computer‑assisted or data‑driven reporting, remains relatively uncommon in Sweden. This paper surveys the development of data journalism in seven Swedish traditional media companies through action research. The study combines an online journalist survey with in‑depth editor interviews to capture organizational perspectives. Results reveal a shared definition of data journalism, show that attitudes toward its adoption correlate with perceived experience, and identify time constraints and skill‑training needs as key challenges.

Abstract

Data journalism is an evolving form of investigative journalism. In previous research and handbooks published on this topic, this form of journalism has been called computer-assisted reporting and data-driven journalism, as well as precision, computational or database journalism. In Sweden, data journalism is still fairly uncommon. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the development of data journalism at seven Swedish traditional media companies, using action research methods. The content of this paper is based on an online survey of journalists and in-depth interviews with editors at these participating companies. The results indicate that, based on how this field is currently perceived by journalists in the interviews, there is a common definition of data journalism. Furthermore, the survey shows that the attitudes towards data journalism during the process of introducing new methods and genres of journalism into “old” organizations are correlated with the level of perceived experience in data journalism working methods. The main challenges facing the working methods of data journalism today are a shortage of time and the need for training and developing data journalism skills.