Methods of Editing Data Journalism in Sada Economic Newspaper – An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aims to examine the methods of editing data journalism in the Libyan economic newspaper Sada. It seeks to identify how data journalism is employed in press coverage, the extent to which hypertext is used in editing data journalism, and the main sources of such data. The study relied on Media Richness Theory and employed the survey method, using a content analysis form applied to the economic news published on the Sada Economic Newspaper website during the period from December 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021. A systematic random sample of fifty-two days was selected using the industrial week method, and content analysis was conducted on 471 news items published in the newspaper.

The study produced several findings, the most significant of which was the limited attention given by the Sada Economic Newspaper website to diversifying methods of presenting and editing data journalism (e.g., infographics). The newspaper relied primarily on official institutions—such as ministries, government agencies, and other state bodies—as sources of data and information.

The study recommends conducting further research on data journalism and emphasizes the need for press institutions to give greater attention to employing it. This includes providing training for investigative journalists on the concept of data journalism and on how to use its tools to strengthen digital investigative journalistic content.