CAR: It's a starting point

The article discusses computer-assisted reporting (CAR) training at the IRE conference in Fort Worth, where journalists learn to use databases and data analysis tools to enhance their reporting. Despite initial complexity, CAR provides a foundation for producing better news stories.

Hundreds of journalists were on hand for the computer-assisted reporting day at the annual IRE conference in June in Fort Worth, Texas. The one-day focus on CAR is an annual rite for many journalists and, for others, an introduction to the use of databases, spreadsheets and Internet resources for reporting.

For many newcomers, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities of CAR and all of the jargon (think GIS, SQL, regression analysis, intranets). But those journalists who persist can develop new reporting tools that can help them produce better news stories. That's what it's all about, right?

In each issue of Uplink, you read about these news stories. And while you might notice differences in the software, techniques and obstacles overcome, you'll see one common thread: CAR provided the starting point for even more reporting.

Speaking of Uplink, we're working on publishing the newsletter electronically. If you have any suggestions for use, please let me know. I'd love to hear them.

The March-April Uplink "Mapping it Out" feature incorrectly identified the location of a village near Peoria, Ill., that was struck by a tornado. It is South Pekin.