HARKANWAL SINGH
As The New Zealand Herald’s data editor, Harkanwal Singh takes a fresh approach to journalism by tackling complex topics with interactive visualisations. He’s intrigued readers with information about the most religious suburbs, where and why Maoris still smoke and the population’s wealth, so we ask him to fill us in on how it’s done.
Who, or what determines what you are going to investigate?
Newsworthiness and availability of data. It’s hard to investigate unless there is data available. Also, if anyone in the newsroom suggests ideas worth investigating.
How long does each project take?
It depends on complexity and what we are creating as end result, but anywhere from one to three weeks.
Do you feel the same pressure as other journalists to churn things out quickly?
There’s always pressure to publish but it’s hard to turn over a visualisation without analysing data. One way I’ve developed as a workaround is to publish visualisations which are updated when new data is released.
From all the investigations you’ve done, what’s been your biggest learning?
You can always do better in communicating the complexity of the data because headlines can rarely capture it.
Your projects are very popular and raise a lot of eyebrows. Which piece of work has generated the most response?
Probably the burglaries crime map, in terms of analytics and responses.
Your journalism with data is quite unique, do you think journalists should have more skills to deal with and present data?
As data becomes more pervasive, journalists will be required to up-skill to understand and communicate data.
Do you think universities prepare students for the demands of real data journalism? Is it easier to teach statisticians how to write or writers how to work with numbers?
Journalism schools in New Zealand are nowhere near close to preparing students for future challenges. The gap is staggering and doesn’t seem to be improving. I haven’t done much teaching to know which is easier; ideally, you actually want someone who can code and communicate.
Numbers can be spun into virtually any narrative. So what steps do you take to ensure your reporting is objective?
I don’t think numbers can be spun into ‘virtually any narrative’. There are interpretations and there can be competing ones, but if your data and methodology are good and repeatable, then it is closer to objectivity. I’d double-check with agencies that produce data and interview experts on the topic.
What did you think of Winston Peters questioning your objectivity?
Winston Peters’ questions were about my objectivity as an ‘Asian immigrant’ journalist rather than as a data journalist, which says a lot. I cannot change my ethnicity but I am more than happy to discuss data. You can read my full response on nzherald.co.nz.
What will data journalism look like in the future?
As the quote goes, predictions are hard, especially about the future. Data journalism internationally has and will continue to become more mainstream. In New Zealand, it will depend on the shape of the market and whether journalism schools rise to the challenge.