No. 3 (43) (2023), Article
No. 3 (43) (2023)

«The Sigma Awards» data journalism projects: features of visual content

Article
https://doi.org/10.21272/Obraz.2023.3(43)-70-84
Published 2023-11-06
Dmytro Solodovnyk
PhD student, Sumy State University, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9951-0312
PDF (Ukrainian)

Keywords

data journalism
visualization
Data Journalism Awards
3D modeling
gamification

How to Cite

Solodovnyk, D. (2023). «The Sigma Awards» data journalism projects: features of visual content. Obraz, 3 (43), 70–84. https://doi.org/10.21272/Obraz.2023.3(43)-70-84
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Abstract

​​Introduction. Data visualization plays a crucial role in creating high-quality materials in data journalism; it is precisely the successful way of presenting information that depends on its comprehensibility, accessibility, and “virality” for the audience. The worldwide award, “The Sigma Data Journalism Awards,” winners are a kind of role model and trend indicator in data journalism.
Goal. That is why the study aimed to analyze the key characteristics and elements of data visualization in the noted data journalism projects, as well as to identify changes that may occur in the techniques and methods of data presentation over time.
Research methods. The method of comparative content analysis, methods of synthesis and generalization, as well as logical and chronological methods, were used.
Results. As a result, 21 winners of “The Sigma Data Journalism Awards” chosen over three years (2020, 2022, 2023) were analyzed exclusively from the point of view of data visualization. In developing 3D modeling technologies, editors actively use these methods to improve communication effectiveness with the audience and increase their interest. Gamification is also noted as an innovative tool that increases the interactive component of visual objects. Maps, photographs, diagrams, and audio recordings remain relevant methods in data journalism, while infographics are used less and less in the projects noted. Leading newsrooms that actively create materials in data journalism are The New York Times, ABC News, and Civio, while ProPublica, Pointer, and Texty.org.ua stand out as leading media outlets specializing in the analysis and use of data. According to the study results, the recognized journalists noted in the visualization of data journalism are R. Dottle, Y-H. Law and J. Coburn.
Conclusions. The obtained results can be useful for further research, which consists in conducting a statistical content analysis of the visualization of data journalism in the leading global newsrooms identified in this study (The New York Times, ABC news and Civio).

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