Not every college offers CAR knowledge
Despite advances in newsrooms, many university journalism programs have not yet introduced computer-assisted reporting. In a 1993 survey, less than a third taught on-line searching, and even fewer dealt with databases.
Kevin Lee, an assistant communications professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College, conducted a blind survey of more than a dozen experts, asking how to change the situation. The participants included Elliot Jaspin at Cox Newspapers; Penny Loeb at U.S. News & World Report; Steve Ross at Columbia University; and Shawn McIntosh, Dallas Morning News.
The results are that schools would enhance their reputations, and students would be better journalists, if more universities taught computer-assisted reporting. The hurdles include getting and maintaining good equipment, resistance from school officials, and a lack of qualified teachers.
Internet in a beat
Preston P. Forman, a reporter for the Standard-Times of New Bedford, Mass., recounted two instances where the Internet helped his small newspaper get the story in a hurry.
When a television station license was sold, he needed to find someone at the Federal Communications Commission - an agency he had never covered. He went to http://www.fcc.gov, found the agency's internal phone directory, and got the right official quickly.
Another time, there was a dispute over the lack of accessibility at town buildings for the disabled. He went to http://www.usdoj.gov, and, a few clicks later, got details on what the Americans with Disabilities Act means for municipalities.
Arizona TV station seeks CAR reporter
KPNX-TV of Phoenix, Ariz., is seeking a reporter with at least three years experience, including work in computer-assisted reporting.
More information is available from Jeanine L'Ecuyer, assistant news director, KPNX-TV, P.O. Box 711, Phoenix, Az. 85001; (602) 257-6630.
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Don't bank on it
The Wall Street Journal recently used computer-assisted reporting to show that big banks - despite ads to the contrary - don't lend that much to small businesses.
The newspaper studied bank filings (known as call reports) to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The computer helped the paper sift through almost 12,000 reports, and help compare small business deals versus overall company loans.
The newspaper contrasted the numbers with the banks' advertising claims. It also described how small business owners face a tough time getting loans, and how analysts believe the decline of local banking means tougher times ahead.