Computer-assisted reporting (CAR)

Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR) refers to the use of digital tools such as spreadsheets, databases, and basic 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:

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.

Related articles

What is data journalism?

Good journalism has always been about data

Data journalism – resources and tools

Data journalism glossary