What Is a Data Journalist?

Key takeaways

Data journalists write stories based on data reports, often analyzing data and making predictions based on this analysis.

• Data journalists collect, clean, analyze, and report on data. They also fact-check and create data visualizations.

• Data journalism requires skills such as communication, analytical thinking, and data mining.

• You can become a data journalist by pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree and networking with other professionals.

Learn more about the role of a data journalist, including the skills, experience, and training you’ll need to make a career in this field. Then, consider enrolling in Michigan State University’s Become a Journalist: Report the News! Specialization. In as little as two months, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the best practices and ethical standards for newsgathering processes and compiling a news report through hands-on projects, peer-to-peer feedback, and issue exploration. Upon completion, you can add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is data journalism?

Data journalism is a recent branch of journalism focusing on reporting data-driven stories. A data journalist may work in print media, such as newspapers or magazines, or in broadcast media, such as television and radio. They can also work in digital media, such as podcasts or social media. No matter what medium they produce, these professionals use data to find and present news.

Data journalism took off in 2008 when a statistician turned journalist began reporting sports and political news using data to create models and predictions. Soon, other data journalists began applying the technique to various subjects, creating graphics and predictive models for various topics.

What does a data journalist do?

Data journalists work in ways typical of other types of journalists—storytelling and reporting for the press or broadcast companies. However, with data journalism, your stories are heavily based on data and presenting that data in unique ways. Behind the scenes, your work involves collecting and analyzing data and using the data to make predictions. Then, you need to decide how to present your findings in the manner you feel will be most interesting to your audience.

Data journalist tasks and responsibilities

Like any journalist, the responsibilities and duties of a data journalist may vary depending on your area of journalism and where you work. However, in general, you can expect to do the following:

• Create engaging stories and commentaries, presenting complex data findings clearly through mediums such as television, radio, magazines, and websites

• Collect data through interviews, observations, and thorough investigations

• Clean and analyze data for use in a story using tools like structured query language (SQL), Python, and R

• Collaborate with editors and reporters

• Use data to resonate with your audience

• Fact-check information and ensure data analysis accuracy

• Create data visualizations (charts, graphs) for clear communication using data visualization software

• Adhere to ethical practices regarding data and authenticity

Data journalist skills

To work as a data journalist, you’ll need various technical skills to collect and analyze data. You will also need the skills necessary to share your findings, such as excellent writing or presentation skills. You’ll also need workplace skills like communication to work with people to gather your data. 

Technical skills

Data analysis requires you to develop technical skills that you’ll need to do all aspects of the job. These include:

• Analytical skills, especially statistical analysis

• Data visualization software, such as Tableau and Power BI

• Data mining and cleaning techniques

• Programming languages, such as SQL, Python, and R

• Storytelling

• Content creation

• Journalism ethics

• Social media 

Workplace skills

In addition to nailing the technical aspects of the role, workplace skills are equally important when working as a data journalist. These include:

• Writing and editing

• Communication

• Research 

• Collaboration

• Working to deadlines

• Self-motivation

• Detail orientation

• Organization

Read more: Important Communication Skills and How to Improve Them

Data journalist salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, a data journalist's median annual total salary is $107,000 [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 4,100 job openings for news analysts, reporters, and journalists are expected each year, on average, between 2024 and 2034 [2]. The BLS also predicts a higher-than-average growth rate for data occupations in general over a 2021 to 2031 forecast period [3]. 

Will AI replace journalists?

No, artificial intelligence (AI) will not completely replace journalists. Though the use of AI for automation has been on the rise, journalists must possess human skills, such as interviewing subjects directly and developing trust with them. Additionally, AI benefits from journalistic work, using articles and news reports to generate answers to questions from users.

How to become a data journalist

If working as a data journalist appeals to you, you will want to consider the path to getting there. Journalism is a competitive field and requires experience, even for entry-level roles. A great place to start is in student media. Apply to work for your school newspaper, blog, or radio station. If you don’t have an official channel, build your own experience. Start a blog or write content for fun—you can use it to create a portfolio. Also, learn data analytical tools and software relevant to the role.

With some experience and the necessary qualifications, you can apply for entry-level jobs. Consider an internship or look for entry-level positions such as an editorial assistant, copywriter, data analyst, or public relations assistant. You may also consider applying for freelance gigs to build your portfolio and gain experience for your resume. 

Education and training

To work as a data journalist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in a major such as language and communications or journalism, concentrating on data analysis and audience research. You may then consider a master’s degree in data journalism to specialize. Then, keep your skills up to date by continuing to learn and develop through online courses and self-study. 

Network

As with any career path, you will succeed more as a data journalist when you network consistently. You can stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and technology. You can also ensure you connect with people who can help you with your reporting and career progression. Go to networking events, conferences, workshops, and any other events in person or online that might help you gain important connections. 

Explore free resources for your professional growth

Get insights into in-demand skills and career trends by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Then, discover free, digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Why Data Analysts Need to Understand AI

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Learn from an insider: Meet the Data Analyst Using His Creativity to Tell Visual Stories

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