Data journalism versus misinformation. Skills, profiles and required training in data journalism

Abstract

In a context of misinformation, data journalism can restore the profession’s ability to mediate in the public sphere. This paper aims to define the necessary professional skills and the training required for future journalists to be able to practice this specialization. We started with previous research on the official academic offer in journalism in Spain, which shows the scarcity of subjects related to this field. A new analysis of the RUCT reveals small advances, especially in postgraduate studies and in terms of visualization. Having obtained this result, we gathered the views of a representative group of professionals through a focus group. These distinguish among the most sought-after skills those related to accessing and downloading data, as well as its presentation, highlighting knowledge of statistics and programming. And they advocate a hybrid profile, combining humanistic knowledge with the handling of technology, in line with the logic of digital production.