Recipients of awards for statistical excellence in journalism have been
announced. This is the fourth year that the Society has made the awards,
which are made to those who question, analyse and investigate the
issues that affect society through statistics.
This year's awards saw the highest number of entries so far in these awards. Following an extensive shortlisting and judging process four entries have been selected for awards:
- Work broadcast on television or radio - winner: More or Less BBC Radio 4 (producer Richard Knight) for a report on statistics of domestic violence, broadcast 15 May 2009
- This was an excellent report showing how sources can be checked with clear
explanations of concepts and terminology, and a good use of experts. In addition, the report made important points about the difficulty that can be had in collecting data, particularly when addressing sensitive social issues.
- Work published in print or online - winner: Mark Easton, BBC News online for Project Blueprint: 'Not sufficiently robust'
- This investigative blog article brought important attention to bear on a report on a government initiative that lacked statistical robustness in both what was done and how it was evaluated. The explanation of the failings was clear and the style of reporting appropriately engaging, with a good use of expert commentary.
- Work published in print or online - runner-up: Helen Rumbelow, The Times for Exposing the myths of breastfeeding
- This article carefully investigated the evidence for the strength of the
claims being made regarding a matter of ‘received wisdom'. Statistical terms
were well explained and a good range of sources reported, providing information
and argument that would allow readers to form their own judgments or to find out
more.
- Work published in print or online - special commendation: Simon Rogers, The Guardian for Datablog
- This initiative was innovative in providing access to statistical information to the public. There was novel use of techniques such as data-mashing and of engaging readers in crowd-sourcing . Graphical interpretations of data were well-visualised, and there was commendable openness with data, providing it in easily accessible ways and clearly identifying sources.
rssenews
0 Comments Posted Leave a comment