Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR) is the use of digital tools such as spreadsheets, databases, and statistical analysis to interrogate large datasets.
Since the development of computers, CAR has been used by journalists to uncover patterns and trends by examining data. Now, CAR has become a subset of the wider area of expertise known as data journalism – which includes coding, automation, and data visualisation for interactive storytelling.
In our article ‘What is data journalism?‘ we refer to CAR in the context of its role in data journalism. But what is CAR? And how does it differ from data journalism.
- Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR):
- Emerged in the late 20th century as journalists began using computers for reporting.
- Focuses on using databases, spreadsheets, and basic statistical tools to analyse public records, election results, crime reports, etc.
- Example: A journalist using Excel to analyse government spending records for a piece of investigative journalism.
- Data Journalism:
- A broader, more modern evolution of CAR that includes data collection, analysis, and data visualisation.
- Incorporates coding, automation, and interactive storytelling techniques.
- Often involves using programming languages (Python, R), web scraping, machine learning, and data visualisation tools (Tableau, D3.js).
- See our ‘Data journalism glossary‘
- Example: The New York Times’ interactive COVID-19 tracking dashboards or The Guardian’s data-driven investigative reports.
Differences between CAR and data journalism:
Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR) focuses primarily on using digital tools to find and analyse facts for a story, while Data Journalism is a broader workflow that integrates analysis with interactive storytelling and data visualisation.
Comparison: CAR vs. Data Journalism
| Feature | Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR) | Data Journalism |
|---|---|---|
| Era & Origin | Emerged in the late 20th century (rooted in 1950s/60s “precision journalism”). | Modern evolution and expansion of CAR. |
| Core Focus | Using spreadsheets, databases, and basic stats to interrogate public records. | Finding, processing, visualising, and interactively telling stories with data. |
| Typical Tools | Excel, relational databases, and basic statistical packages. | Python, R, web scraping, Tableau, D3.js, and mapping software. |
| Output / Product | Mostly traditional text articles backed by internal data analysis. | Articles combined with charts, live dashboards, and interactive graphics. |
| Collaboration | Often a solo reporter analysing data, leaving charts to a separate graphics department. | Often cross-functional teamwork blending reporters, coders, and designers. |
In short, CAR is an early form of data journalism. While CAR was about using computers for analysis, data journalism has expanded to include sophisticated digital tools, coding, and visual storytelling techniques.
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