Data is one of the most important tools in a reporter’s toolbox. It can be the foundation of a deeply-reported story or enhance stories with support based in numbers. The good news is that various agencies across California collect and publicly report data on many of the most important topics covered by journalists: criminal justice, education, health, state and local finances, and more.
At FAC, our education team wants to make it easy for reporters to figure out what’s available and how to get it. That’s why we’re launching our Reporter’s Field Guide: Data Sources in California.
In the guide, journalists will find links to publicly available data on a long list of topics: in-custody deaths, arrests, racial profiling by law enforcement, police misconduct, school assessments, graduation rates, government salaries, state taxes, fire risks and hazards, and much more.
We’ve also included story ideas, examples and tips for public records requests that can enhance data reporting. We’ll be updating the guide periodically with the aim of making it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of data sources that you’d like to see included in the guide, let us know at education [at] firstamendmentcoalition.org.
If you’re a working journalist and would like an introduction to the Reporter’s Field Guide: Data Sources in California, join us at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12 for a Zoom meeting at which we’ll introduce you to the guide, share some story ideas and answer your questions. To register, click here.