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Sensor journalism

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Sensor journalism[1] refers to the use of sensors to generate or collect data, then analyzing, visualizing, or using the data to support journalistic inquiry. This is related to but distinct from data journalism. Whereas data journalism relies on using historical or existing data, sensor journalism involves the creation of data with sensor tools. This also includes drone journalism.[2][3]

Background

Examples of sensor-based journalism (below) date back to the early 2000s[4] and usually involve the use of sensor tools to generate or collect data to be reported on. The way in which the sensors are deployed varies. In some cases, a journalist will learn how to operate and deploy a sensor (see Houston Chronicle) while in others (see WNYC Cicada Tracker), the sensors are built and deployed by the general public. Journalists can also request data from existing sensor networks (see Sun Sentinel example) and remote sensors (see ProPublica example).[5]

Sensors used for reporting can be closed source with expressly stated terms of use or open source, which allows for modification of the sensor downstream of development.[6]

Sensor journalism modules have been taught at Emerson College[7] (around water quality/contamination) and Florida International University (around sea-level rise).[8][9][10][11] An air quality sensor journalism module is slated for spring of 2015 at San Diego State University[12]

Examples

  • Houston Chronicle, In Harm’s Way[13]
A study about toxic chemicals in the air in public parks.
  • USA Today, Ghost Factories[14]
A series that looked at lead-contaminated soil in neighborhoods around previous U.S. lead factories.
  • Sun Sentinel, Above the Law[15]
A series about the tendencies of cops to speed.
  • WNYC Cicada Tracker[16]
A project that revolved around the emergence of Magicicada.
  • Washington Post, ShotSpotter[17]
A project with 300 acoustic sensors across 20 square miles in D.C.
  • Planet Money, Planet Money Makes a T-shirt[18]
A project that followed the production of a shirt from beginning to end.
  • ProPublica, Losing Ground[19]
A study of sea-level rise in Louisiana.

Tools and Platforms

References

  1. ^ Sensors & Journalism, Tow Center report, 2014
  2. ^ Culver, Kathleen Bartzen. "From Battlefield to Newsroom: Ethical Implications of Drone Technology in Journalism," Journal of Mass Media Ethics (2013)
  3. ^ Drone journalism, Wikipedia.
  4. ^ Sensors & Journalism, Tow Center report (see 'Case studies,' 2014
  5. ^ Tow Center blog, "ProPublic Satellites and the Shrinking Louisiana Coast
  6. ^ Sensors & Journalism, Tow Center report, "Closed Source Initiatives" p. 164, 2014
  7. ^ "Sensor journalism student reflections"
  8. ^ Gutsche, Robert. King Tide Day project from Florida International University
  9. ^ Lean, Rachel. "King Tide Day: Students Gather on Miami Beach To Combat Sea Level Rise Apathy," Miami New Times (2013)
  10. ^ TODAY Show. King Tide Day (2014)
  11. ^ Gutsche, Robert "RECIPROCAL (AND REDUCTIONIST?) NEWSWORK An examination of youth involvement in creating local participatory environmental news," Journalism Practice (2015)
  12. ^ "What's In the Air?" project from San Diego State University
  13. ^ Houston Chronicle, In Harm’s Way
  14. ^ USA Today, Ghost Factories
  15. ^ Sun Sentinel, Above the Law
  16. ^ WNYC Cicada Tracker
  17. ^ Washington Post, ShotSpotter
  18. ^ Planet Money, Planet Money Makes a T-Shirt
  19. ^ ProPublica, Losing Ground
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