Abstract:
This study attempts to provide the basis for restructuring data-driven
reporting among Nigerian journalists by examining its content and
practice. Field Theory and Normalization Theory provide the theoretic
framework, while focus group discussions by 30 respondents help
generate the requisite data. Findings show that Nigerian journalists are
not only knowledgeable about the concept of data-driven journalism,
but they are also actively engaged as practitioners. Discussants attest to
the factuality, verifiability, and reliability associated with data-driven
journalism, the challenges notwithstanding. It turned out that its
reshaping and sustainability would hinge on two factors. The first is to
intensify data-driven journalism training and research. The second is
for government to formulate policies or popularize the legislations that
guarantee access to data and make data-driven journalism more
professional.
