15
Nov
Public defence of doctoral thesis with Francesca Morini, Media and Communication Studies
Francesca Morini defends her thesis ”Design + data journalism: shifting epistemology, values, and practices”.
Subject: Media and Communication Studies
Research area: Critical and Cultural Theory
External reviewer: Lars Nyre, Professor, Media Design, Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen; Norway
Language: English
Abstract:
This dissertation investigates the role of design in contemporary data journalism. Over the last few decades, data journalism has gained popularity as a genre capable of responding to the progressive crisis in traditional media. Data journalists use quantitative data as the main source for their reporting activities. These data are collected, analyzed, and represented using a plethora of computational and design methods. These methods allow data journalists to unveil patterns and trends hidden in the data. This information is ultimately presented to the reader. Data journalists employ techniques such as data visualizations to produce a graphical representation of abstract data. Whereas previous research has focused at length on the intersection between data journalism and computer science, design and data visualizations have been marginalized as purely functional techniques. This poses a gap in the research on data journalism.
In order to understand the future of data journalism, it is important to recognize the epistemic role that design and data visualization have on the genre. This is fundamental to understand what key ideals and practices are at play in defining data journalism epistemology. Moreover, reflecting the role of data visualization in data journalism allows for a critical reflection on the normalization of design within newsrooms. As journalism becomes increasingly digital and visual, design plays a fundamental role in how news are consumed and understood by audiences. Ultimately, this work aims to show the importance of design for digital journalism and contextualize the role of data journalism within the progressive crisis of credibility faced by traditional media.
Throughout this dissertation the present and future of data journalism is discussed. Two contributions are brought forward. First, the contemporary epistemology of data journalism is discussed. This is done by bringing forward key values like objectivity and by observing how they reflect in data journalists’ work. Data visualizations will be analyzed as boundary objects between journalists and their audiences, artefacts capable of communicating specific ideals and values. Then, the relation between objectivity and power will be established, touching upon the normalization process of data journalism. Design is discussed again as a critical approach that could serve data journalists in becoming more aware and sensitive to data-related issues. The dissertation is concluded with a reflection on how a theoretically-grounded understanding of design could support an upgrade in terms of its values and epistemologies, ultimately leading to a shift towards more critical journalistic and data practices.
Keywords: data journalism, design, data visualization, data journalism epistemology, research-through-design, boundary work, objectivity, power, autonomy
15 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
Public defence of thesis
Room MA648, Moas båge, Södertörn University, Alfred Nobels allé 7, Flemingsberg, find us
English
Arranged by
Media and Communication Studies at the School of Culture and Education, Södertörn University
Contact
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16-09-2024