Computational Journalism

What is computational journalism? Ultimately, interactions among journalists, software developers, computer scientists and other scholars over the next few years will answer that question. In July 2009 the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences hosted a workshop on this topic called Developing the Field of Computational Journalism. In their workshop report , James T. Hamilton and Fred Turner discuss how computational journalism’ s combination of algorithms, data, and knowledge from social sciences could help preserve the watchdog function of journalism.

Accountability Through Algorithm: Developing the Field of Computational Journalism describes how computational approaches, such as the development of a suite of open source reporting tools, can make it easier for reporters and citizens to hold government accountable. This workshop report, written by Hamilton and Turner, lays out the roles that foundations, government agencies, academic research centers, nonprofits, open source developers, journalists, and readers can play in the evolution of this new field.

After reading the workshop report, if you’d like to learn more you can explore the workshop:

• About the Report
• Reading List
• Agenda
• Discussion Exercises
• Participant Bios

New Computation & Journalism Summer Internship for Duke Students

Relevance, Inc. and the DeWitt Wallace Center invite Duke students to apply to join a team of journalists and software developers in creating open source software tools to enhance the practice of watchdog journalism.  This DukeEngage summer program will take place in Durham.  The deadline for applying is JANUARY 15, 2010.

Related links about the field of Computational Journalism:

2008 Georgia Tech Symposium on Computation and Journalism

Deep Throat Meets Data Mining

Tracking Toxics When the Data Are Polluted

The Golden Age of Computer-Assisted Reporting Is at Hand

Using Data Visualization as a Reporting Tool Can Reveal Story’s Shape